The Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) program trains churches to create a healthier environment that supports physical activity and healthy eating for all members and the larger community. The training includes strategies for how churches can reach and impact children, youth, and families to eat healthier and become more physically active.

The University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center is offering FAN to churches in the United States via an online training. It is a free, effective, and fun program that helps congregations become healthier. To date, FAN has helped over 200 churches create opportunities for healthier living within the church setting. FAN is included in the National Cancer Institute’s Evidence-Based Cancer Control Programs (formerly RTIPs). 

On the FAN website is more information about the online training. You can complete an interest form and find additional information at: http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/projects/fantraining.htm

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of addressing chronic health conditions and health disparities that are affecting our congregations and communities, like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. The church has an important role to play in helping members prevent these conditions.

As you can see on the website, many United Methodist Churches in South Carolina are participating in this program that is national in scope and for all denominations.

May you “prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” – III John 1:2 (NKJV)