Taylorville Memorial Hospital is teaming up with the University of Illinois Extension office to offer a free cooking class focused on heart-healthy eating. The class, called “The Power of Protein,” will be held February 26th from 5:30 to 7 at the hospital. Participants will learn how different types of protein, both animal-based and plant-based, can support heart health and the body’s overall needs.

The class will be hands-on, with attendees cooking using a variety of protein sources. Lisa Peterson, a nutrition and wellness educator with the University of Illinois Extension, will also share tips on managing cholesterol and making smart, balanced food choices.

The class will be held in Conference Room 179 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. Registration is required, and parking is available in Lot 4 at the rear of the hospital. Two more free classes are also planned later this year. One on June 30th will focus on eating for brain health, and another on September 17th will teach ways to reduce food waste and stretch your grocery budget.

Hospital officials say these classes are designed to meet a need identified in Christian County’s Community Health Needs Assessment, where residents asked for more nutrition education and better access to healthy food information.

You can find registration links online, or for more information, contact Lisa Peterson at the University of Illinois Extension office.