CareSource Culinary Medicine and Nutrition Program impacting Dayton community

DAYTON, Ohio (CareSource) - Harrison Township resident Walter Lowe, a proud CareSource member, is the first to admit he knew nothing about the CareSource Culinary Medicine and Nutrition Program classes until he joined his local YMCA. But today, taking part in the nutrition class has become routine.

“I love the people in the class, the instructors and most importantly, I love what the class has taught me,” said Lowe. “I am more knowledgeable about how I go about my grocery shopping, focusing more on eating the right things like fruits and vegetables, eating more greens and cutting back on my sugar intake. We make delicious recipes every week and I know exactly what to buy at the store after making the meal in class.”

Launched in 2024, the CareSource Culinary Medicine and Nutrition Program provides support to many of the local YMCA members who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Healthy eating and lifestyles are key, but many members face barriers like physical limitations, lack of knowledge about nutrition and limited cooking skills.

“Creating innovative ways to empower our members to take control of their health and remove barriers is a core principle of the culinary medicine program,” said Dr. Judith Davis, vice president of care coordination at CareSource. “We are sharing what we learn from the program to help more people with diabetes live healthier lives.”

Lowe said his new routine and time spent in the teaching kitchen has provided immediate benefits to his health. He schedules his exercise routines around the cooking classes so that by the time he gets home, he has already completed a workout that includes lifting weights and walking a few miles. 

In addition, Lowe has established new health goals for the year ahead and picked up a new set of kitchen tools to help him prepare meals he learns about in each class. Walter’s new favorite dish is black bean salad with artichoke hearts.

“Never in a million years did I think I would be cooking that for myself,” added Lowe. “Everyone should know about it!”

In addition to being part of the CareSource Benefits program, Lowe has encouraged his daughter and two sons to join him in the teaching kitchen, making the class a family affair.

“The class is teaching people in our community who have some health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure to eat better, cook better and learn new ways to prepare healthier food, all in a comfortable setting surrounded by friends and family,” added Lowe. "I can feel the improvements that I am making as a result of the exercise and taking part in the cooking classes. This whole experience has been tremendous and I have CareSource and the YMCA to thank.”