"I learned how to create healthy goals by writing down how I plan to eat healthy... it gave me a lot of motivation to begin making changes."
While visiting her local church, Maritza discovered a new learning opportunity that caught her attention. Her parish was advertising nutrition classes hosted by Catholic Charities of Los Angeles - CalFresh Healthy Living.
Interested in building her knowledge and growing in motivation, she decided to attend.
With the help of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Maritza enrolled in free CalFresh Healthy Living nutrition classes,.
"I learned how to create healthy goals by writing down how I plan to eat healthy," Maritza says. "It gave me a lot of motivation to begin making changes."
These classes gave her the knowledge and motivation to implement dietary and lifestyle changes that would have a major, positive impact in her life and the lives of her family members.
"I learned a lot and I am very happy about that," Maritza says. "It motivated me more because I learned things that I did not know."
After going through the nutrition classes, she feels better equipped to make healthier decisions, saying "I learned how to read nutrition labels, that there is a lot of sugar in items, and how to look out for added sugar."
However, perhaps the more impactful area of growth is her confidence and student leadership in the program.
"I consider myself the leader of the walking group because I lead the seniors through different exercises and give them advice about how to eat healthier. I also began volunteering leading the walking group with the CalFresh Healthy Living program."
