Building Community Through Nutrition

Connecting with Windham’s Hispanic Residents

UConn Extension’s community nutrition programs emphasize fostering connections and creating a sense of belonging. Dianisi Torres ’17 (Neag), an educational program assistant, leads the community nutrition initiatives in Windham. For Torres, her work is about building community through nutrition.

“The participants become like a family,” Torres shares. “People see the same faces over several weeks, which creates a sense of belonging. It’s fun eating, talking, sharing experiences, and learning together. What motivates me is seeing the community gather, spend time together, and share knowledge, food, and resources.”

These programs combine nutrition, fitness, and gardening to provide a holistic experience. Torres begins each session by listening to participants and partners to understand their needs. “It’s about respecting what Windham residents, primarily Latinos and the Black community, actually need,” Torres explains. “I don’t provide without asking. My mentoring programs with Windham Public Schools focus on building Latino leaders for the future. As I grow older, I want to ensure the younger generation continues this work.”

A lifelong Windham resident, Torres’s connection to the community fuels her commitment, and the Hispanic community trusts UConn.

“UConn Extension doesn’t just provide programs; it creates the feeling that they’re here for us,” she says.

Torres bridges the gap of finding culturally appropriate produce by adapting recipes and incorporating gardening into her programs. Participants grow their own produce, promoting self-sufficiency and healthy lifestyles. This approach helps them explore new ingredients within cultural traditions.

Fitness is another cornerstone of her programs. Torres offers family-focused classes that emphasize strength-building and accessible routines. “It’s not just about weight loss but about building strength and well-being,” Torres notes. These classes foster strong bonds, particularly among mothers, who continue supporting one another.

Program evaluations reveal significant impacts, including increased physical activity, higher fruit and vegetable consumption, and greater awareness of fat intake. Torres’s certifications, such as ServeSafe and mental health first aid, ensure a comprehensive, impactful program.

“The feedback I get shows the impact,” she says. “Participants bring friends and family. Kids look forward to my classes, and adults often say the programs feel like therapy. It’s about so much more than knowledge—it’s life-changing.”

Through her work, Torres champions food and nutrition, she lays a foundation for personal and community growth.

Read full article at s.uconn.edu/dianisi.