Starting March 6, learn to cook healthy Mediterranean meals with UF/IFAS lunch and learn series

Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez Photo by Donna Irene
Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, registered dietitian nutritionist with UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County. Photo by Donna Irene

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is committed to providing research-backed nutrition education to the community.

As part of this effort, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County is offering a new virtual program that helps participants build healthier eating habits through simple, delicious and sustainable food choices.

Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way is a virtual educational series designed to help participants adopt practical, long-term changes rooted in the Mediterranean eating pattern. The program focuses on seven steps to healthier meals, easy and flavorful recipes and realistic strategies that can be used every day.

Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, a registered dietitian nutritionist with UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County, will guide participants through each weekly session with science-based instruction and supportive coaching.

Program details:

  • Dates: Fridays from March 6 through April 10.
  • Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
  • Olives on a platter. Photo taken 03-16-23.
    Olives on a platter. Photo by UF/IFAS Tyler Jones

    Delivery: Virtual program through Zoom.

  • Cost: $15 for the six-week series.

Registration is available with this link.  

Participants will explore topics including:

  • mindful eating
  • meal planning
  • reading food labels
  • understanding food labels
  • incorporating physical activity

What to expect from the series:

With March just around the corner and National Nutrition Month approaching, this series offers an opportunity to learn how nutritious ingredients can support better health and show how food can act as medicine when used with intention.

The series is based on the Med Instead of Meds curriculum developed by North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. The curriculum emphasizes nutrient-dense ingredients and sustainable lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Space is limited. After registering, participants will receive a welcome email from Alfonso-Rodriguez with Zoom access information.

 

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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu

 

 

ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.

ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

 

WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at ifas.ufl.edu/food or follow #FoodIsOurMiddleName.

 

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Posted: February 17, 2026


Category: Blog Community, , EVENTS, Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Chronic Diseases, Eating, Flavorful Recipes, Food Is Medicine, Food Labels, Food Strategies, Healthy Eating Habits, Healthy Meals, Jessica Alfonso- Rodriguez, Lunch And Learn, March, Meal Planning, Med Instead Of Meds, Mediterranean Diet, Mediterranean Meals, Mindful Eating, National Nutrition Month, Nutrient-dense Ingredients, Physical Activity, Reading Food Labels, Reduce Risks, Registered Dietitian, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County


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