Walbridge, Ohio - Ohio State University Extension Wood County is teaming up with Wood County Committee on Aging and Bowling Green State University Dietetics Program to offer a series of “Dining with Diabetes” classes this February and March.

According to Susan Zies, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, “Never before have we had such a demand for these classes across the state, as Ohio and our country face many challenges with the growing diabetic epidemic.”

Dining with Diabetes is an exciting program for people with diabetes who want to learn to eat healthier. The “Dining with Diabetes” class is a series of three classes. Participants will receive recipe booklets, information on cooking with low/no sugar, diabetic food preparations, lecture from a registered dietician, and cooking demonstrations at each session.

Classes will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., February 19 and 26, with a special Grocery Store tour scheduled for March 5 and the final class on March 12. According to Zies, “Participation in the tour is optional, but participants will be required to attend the other three sessions.” The classes are held at the Northeast Area Senior Center, 705 N. Main Street, Walbridge.

Previously held classes were very successful and a former participant raved that, “The program is wonderful. It has inspired me to work harder to control my diabetes.” and “I like the pace and information that has been shared. Of course, the food is a big plus – to be able to taste the recipes.”

This class is designed for people with diabetes or those preparing meals for a diabetic. The cost to register for the “Dining with Diabetes” program is $20 per participant. For more information or to register, contact Sandy Hart at the Northeast Area Senior Center at 419.260.3228. Seating is limited; registration required.

The Wood County Committee on Aging plans and develops programs and services that will allow adults over 60 to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Services include; information and referral, nutrition program, volunteer opportunities, health and wellness and other engaging lifelong learning opportunities.

For more information about Wood County Committee on Aging, visit www.wccoa.net.