Pictured above: Clockwise L to R: Bob Zaccheo, Fanny Marzan, Elmira Gainey, Chris Jackson, August Lightfoot, Barbara Truitt, Tegan Bissell, Kellie Hensley
Cleveland Clinic and Project LIFT Partner
to Offer Nutrition Program to At -Risk Youth
There is growing evidence that nutrition plays a critical role in mental wellness, and thanks to a generous grant from Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, teens in the Project LIFT program in Palm City are now receiving hands-on education in nutrition, health, and food preparation in addition to high quality mental health services. The grant allowed Project LIFT to purchase commercial kitchen equipment and create a functional space for ongoing nutrition and culinary programming. As part of the collaboration, a Registered Dietician provided by Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and assisted by students from Keiser University is administering a 12-week nutrition curriculum to both the Boys and Girls Programs at Project LIFT.
“We are grateful for this amazing opportunity to partner with thought leaders like Cleveland Clinic,” said Project LIFT CEO Bob Zaccheo. “Working with Kellie and her team to put a fully functioning commercial grade prep kitchen into Project LIFT was a pleasure. We are excited to offer a Cleveland Clinic led health and nutrition program to our participants to complement our 11 skilled trades and robust mental health services.”
The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on food preparation activities. Topics range from Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables to Body Positivity and Managing Stress, and the teens have the opportunity to put their knowledge to use preparing smoothies, wraps, and more.
“Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is excited to collaborate with Project LIFT to benefit the community we serve,” said Cleveland Clinic Regional Director of Events & Community Partnerships Kellie Hensley. “Project LIFT does outstanding work to address serious health issues with at risk teens through their counseling, mentoring, and skills training. We look forward to positively impacting youth through education on nutrition and wellness.”
For more information about Project LIFT, a non-profit organization providing mental health and vocational training services to at-risk teens, visit projectliftmc.com or call 772-221-2244.
