Fresh Conversations is a nutrition education program for Maryland's older adults. In Maryland, the program is administered by the University of Maryland Extension faculty and Fresh Conversations Certified Trainers. Maryland older adults receiving services from the local senior centers or sites where they congregate under Area Agencies on Aging are eligible to participate in the program. The Iowa Department of Public Health created Fresh Conversations in partnership with Iowa’s Department of Human Services and Department on Aging. Original funding for the program came from USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Program or SNAP.

This monthly program offers an array of nutrition, wellness, and health-related topics to older adults at senior centers and sites where they congregate. The sessions are filled with interactive activities, lively discussions, tasting opportunities, and physical activity demonstrations. Each month, participants will receive a vibrantly colored newsletter featuring relevant research-based health information, physical activity tips, mind-stimulating games, easy low-cost recipes, and an area to write down and track goals.

University of Maryland Extension (UME) Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) is a unit within University of Maryland Extension that focuses on strengthening families, farms, communities, and the economy by translating the latest research into non-formal, community-based education. Family & Consumer Sciences faculty serve as the vital link in connecting the expertise and resources of University of Maryland to residents in all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City. We work collaboratively, internally and externally, to address critical and important issues facing Marylanders as they cope with social, economic, environmental, and technological changes. The focus of our work centers on healthy living and economic success.

 

  • Inflammation

  • Healthy Foods, Healthy Brain

  • Go with Your Gut Bacteria

  • Should You Worry About Vitamin D Deficiency 

  • Dairy Case Dilemma: Is It Really Milk?

  • Are Healthy Bones Important?

 

  • Paint your plate with color!
  • Let's keep the blood flowing
  • Protein: Not just a supper thing
  • Beating the silent killer
  • Know your heart signs
  • Fat can be heart healthy 

 

 

  • The battle of carbohydrates
  • Your mouth is your body’s mirror
  • What’s trending in the nutrition world?
  • The connection between diet, exercise, and sleep
  • The “sunshine” vitamin & the connection with depression
  • Cooking for 1 or 2

 

  • Healthy Foods, Healthy Brain
  • Inflammation
  • Cancer: Preventable, Not Inevitable
  • Macular Degeneration: Sight-Saving Strategies
  • Are Healthy Bones Important?
  • Fuel Your Independence with Protein
  • Fresh Herbs: Don’t Miss Out on Summer Flavor
  • Summer Check-Up

 

  • Go with your Gut Bacteria
  • Sugar: Sinfully Sweet
  • Heart Healthy Fat Facts
  • Lower Your Stroke Risk
  • Should You Worry About Vitamin D Deficiency?
  • Ancient Grains Make a Comeback
  • Eating Out and Eating Healthy Got Easier
  • Dairy Case Dilemma: Is it Really Milk?

Fresh Conversations Program Impacts

2020 Program Impact

2019 Program Impact

In 2019, the UME-FCS team facilitated Fresh Conversations at 44 senior centers and other senior serving sites. The program was implemented in 19 counties and Baltimore City in Maryland. Educators facilitated a total of 288 sessions and made 2,836 educational contacts.

More Information about Fresh Conversations

  • Resources for Older Adults

    COVID-19 Resource Library for Older Adults

  • Fresh Conversations Trainee Resources

    Fresh Conversations Certified Trainers

  • Fresh Conversations Session Newsletters for Older Adults

    Resource Library for Older Adults

  • Publications for Older Adults

    Publications

  • Fresh Conversations Local Classes Information

    Trainings and Classes

  • Contact us regarding Fresh Conversations Program

    Contact Us

Testimonials

Testimonial 1

Testimonial 2

Testimonial 3

Fresh Conversations Program taught by a certified trainer at Calvert County senior center.