Residents at Odyssey House’s Haven and Park Avenue supportive housing programs recently completed the Eat Well NY initiative, a hands-on nutrition education program made possible through a 2025 mini-grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Led by Wellness Coordinator and Registered Dietitian Tara Mardigan, participants learned how to prepare nutritious meals, budget for healthy ingredients, and make the most of local farmers markets. The program also provided new kitchen tools and pantry staples, giving residents the resources to continue cooking healthy meals at home.
“Food is such a powerful part of recovery,” said Tara. “When residents learn to cook for themselves and share meals together, it builds confidence, community, and a sense of pride in taking care of their health.”
Through Eat Well NY, residents strengthened their skills and deepened their connection to the East Harlem community—proving that small steps toward healthier eating can make a big impact on wellness and independence.
This article is from our Fall 2025 edition of Odyssey House News. Click here to check out the entire issue.