Cooking Up Healthy Habits: ONIE and HCOPHSA Partner for National Nutrition Month Demo

The Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education (ONIE) Project at the OU Hudson College of Public Health recently brought National Nutrition Month to life through a hands-on cooking demonstration that emphasized simple, healthy eating for busy lifestyles. In partnership with the Hudson College of Public Health Student Association (HCOPHSA), ONIE hosted a cooking demonstration event that welcomed students, faculty, and staff to learn practical skills for preparing nutritious, affordable meals.

The demonstration featured the Chicken Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet—a one-pot recipe designed to be quick, budget-friendly, and packed with nutrients. Facilitated by Meredith Scott and Stephanie DeBerry, the session walked participants step-by-step through the preparation process, highlighting how everyday ingredients can be transformed into a balanced, flavorful dish. Attendees not only observed the cooking process but also had the opportunity to sample the finished meal, reinforcing the idea that healthy food can be both accessible and enjoyable.

The event reflects ONIE’s broader mission to improve the health, nutrition, and well-being of Oklahomans through innovative, community-centered strategies. As a multidisciplinary team of public health professionals, dietitians, and social marketers, ONIE works to create system-level changes and develop interventions that make healthy choices easier for individuals and families. By applying social marketing principles, the project focuses on influencing behaviors and social norms in ways that lead to lasting, positive health outcomes.

Partnering with HCOPHSA allowed ONIE to extend its reach directly to the next generation of public health professionals, engaging students in a meaningful, real-world example of nutrition education in action. Events like this not only promote healthier eating habits but also demonstrate how collaborative, community-driven efforts can support the College’s mission of promoting healthier tomorrows through education and research today.

Through interactive initiatives like this cooking demonstration, ONIE continues to build a culture of health across campus and beyond—proving that small, practical changes in the kitchen can lead to meaningful improvements in overall well-being.