Life’s Essential 8 are the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, as defined by the American Heart Association. Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed nutrition education programs offer free (income guidelines apply) nutrition classes to help Iowans access nutritious food, cook healthy meals at home, and handle food safely. Depending on location in Iowa and eligibility, staff offer three series that help participants make healthy choices on a budget: Buy. Eat. Live Healthy, Plan Shop Save and Cook, or Kids in the Kitchen.

The Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services administers several programs that provide healthy food to children. Each of these programs helps fight hunger and obesity by reimbursing organizations such as schools, child care centers, and after-school programs for providing healthy meals to children.