Veterans learn how to move toward better nutrition | va jackson health care | veterans affairs

At the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Veterans are finding new ways to take charge of their health—one plate at a time. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, as part of the MOVE! Weight

Management Program series and Healthy Teaching Kitchen initiative, 16 Veterans gathered for a hands-on nutrition session focused on one powerful green: kale. Led by MOVE! Dietitian Camille

Barnes, the session offered Veterans an opportunity to learn about the health benefits of kale, pick up easy preparation tips, and participate in a live cooking demonstration of a fresh,

nutrient-packed kale salad. “The goal of the Healthy Teaching Kitchen is to help Veterans build confidence in the kitchen,” said Barnes. “When you know how to plan, prepare, and enjoy

healthy meals, it’s one of the most powerful steps you can take toward lasting health.” The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center  is one of many VA facilities nationwide offering

Healthy Teaching Kitchen classes—part of a broader effort to empower Veterans to take an active role in their wellness journey. For participants in the MOVE! program, sessions like these add

another layer of support, helping them apply the nutrition skills they learn in a fun and practical environment. The MOVE! Weight Management Program is VA’s national program designed to

help Veterans lose weight, keep it off, and improve their overall health. Veterans enrolled in MOVE! work closely with a care team to develop healthy eating habits, boost their physical

activity, and make lifestyle changes that last. Veterans who are not yet enrolled in the MOVE! program but are interested in learning more can request a referral through their Primary Care

provider. It’s a step that could lead to a healthier, more energized future. With each chopped vegetable and new skill learned, the Veterans who attended left with more than just a delicious

kale salad—they left with renewed confidence, practical knowledge, and a tangible step forward on their path to better health.