Heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure causes more than 60% of all deaths in Washington, DC. Fortunately, these illnesses can often be prevented or eliminated through proper eating.

The Eat Smart Program will empower you with information and tips to provide a more healthful diet for you and your family. The heart of the VSDC Eat Smart Program is a 9-week course that includes nutrition classes, cooking demonstrations, shopping classes, and "eating out healthfully" classes. Classes are held at 3 convenient DC locations. Attend one 2-hour class every week for 9 weeks.

The next Eat Smart Program has not yet been scheduled.

Cost: Only $20 for the entire course, and you can get $5 off when you bring a friend. Also, the total cost can be waived.

		Nutrition classes provide you with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of good nutrition and the connection between diet & health.
		Cooking classes show you how to prepare familiar foods in healthier ways, how to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet, and how to reduce your intake of unhealthy meats, dairy products, processed foods, fat, and salt.
		Shopping classes offer practical tips on how to read food labels, shop for more nutritious foods in grocery stores and health food stores, and stretch every dollar.
		“Eating Out Healthfully” classes help you make smarter menu choices at fast food and take-out restaurants, and give you healthier and more affordable alternatives.

Other activities include a fitness class (yoga) and a field trip to a local local food co-op store.

Program funding. Since the program began in 2004, the Vegetarian Society of DC has received funding for the Eat Smart Program from the following organizations: US Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health, Kaiser Permanente, the Consumer Health Foundation, and the DC Escheated Estates Fund.

The Vegetarian Society of DC also relies on fully tax-deductible donations from people like you!

If you are interested in volunteering with VSDC, please visit see our list of open volunteer positions.