In the heart of rural Wisconsin, AdventHealth launched a free nutritional wellness initiative in the summer of 2024. This launch was carried out through a partnership with the Durand Public Library as part of its summer reading program, in collaboration with the Durand Area Food Pantry. A Community Health Needs Assessment in 2024 identified nutrition and healthy eating as top priorities, particularly for residents with limited access to food. The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment confirmed the ongoing need for the program, which offers community-based education sessions designed to be accessible and discussion-driven. As part of the ongoing initiative, AdventHealth brought in local dietitian Kaitlyn Niebur to teach children about the benefits of “Eating the Rainbow” and provide practical guidance for families. The effort is especially timely, as 38% of Wisconsin residents report eating fruits and vegetables fewer than two days per week.

Why We Did It

The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment identified nutrition-related health challenges as an ongoing concern in AdventHealth Durand’s service area. Local data shows that 38% of Durand residents are obese, and 11.5% of residents are living with diabetes, underscoring the need for accessible nutrition education in rural communities.