Food & Nutrition Events

Charcuterie Board with fruit, cheeses, crackers, nuts and spreads along with a plate of food.

Join the students of FSA 108 Healthy Cooking and Employee Wellness for a Mindful Lunch

MCC’s own Renee Dimino and Terry Shamblin will guide you through a reflective dining experience, as you enjoy a healthy vegetarian menu created and prepared by the students of the FSA 108 Healthy Cooking class.  Mindful Eating is about focusing on the dining experience while you eat, including the colors, textures, and flavors of the delicious food.  Dining in a non-distracting environment allows everyone to savor every bite of their meal and to consider their food choices while they eat.

To give you a sense of how our experience will unfold, here is the path we will be taking together:

  • 12:00-12:05 Arriving and settling in
  • 12:05 Meal Gatha and invitation to begin our buffet lunch in silence
  • 12:05-12:30 Mindful eating in silence
  • 12:30-12:50 Dessert and discussion of the experience of mindful eating

The lunch is on Friday, October 24, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in Food For Thought (building 3 room 146). 

Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased at the Food For Thought restaurant from October 6 through October 23, between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or by contacting the Hospitality Office at (585) 292-2542.

Carbohydrates – Fact vs. Fiction

Separating Science from Myth to Empower Your Nutrition Choices

Carbohydrates are often at the center of heated debates in health, wellness, and diet culture. From fad diets that advocate cutting out carbs entirely to articles that tout their necessity for energy and brain function, it is easy to get lost in the swirl of conflicting information. In this session we will separate myths from scientific evidence, providing participants with the clarity needed to make informed dietary choices. 

Topics will include:

  • The fundamentals of carbohydrates, including simple and complex carbs, fiber, and how they differ in function and health impact.
  • Common misconceptions, such as “carbs make you gain weight” or “all carbs are bad.”
  • Explore how carbohydrates fuel our bodies and contribute to overall well-being.
  • Review the latest research on carbohydrates’ role in diabetes, heart health, and digestive health.
  • Whole vs. Refined Carbohydrates: Discover the differences between whole grains and refined carbs, and their respective impacts on health.
  • Low-Carb Diets: Get the facts on popular low-carb diets like keto and paleo—what does the science say about their long-term health effects?
  • Q&A Session

October 31st, 12 to 1pm or 1 to 2pm Michelle Bartell in the Empire Room

Biometric Screening by Wegmans

November 13th – 11am to 2pm Biometric Screening by Wegmans in the Forum

Knife Skills and Beyond: Healthy Carbs Cooking Class

Join Michelle Bartell and Angela Douglas of the MCC Hospitality Management Department in this hands-on cooking class which builds upon knife skills to create a healthy plant-forward meal. We will explore how healthy carbs are important in the management of diet-related chronic diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.

Come join us on Friday November 14 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Hospitality Department kitchen in Building 3 room 140.  This event is free to all participants and is open to all MCC employees. For your safety in the kitchen, please wear covered-toed shoes with non-slip bottoms-tennis shoes/sneakers are great! Feel free to bring your favorite apron as well.