Grant provides library staff with smoothie-making blender
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Written by: liveWELL

At the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, a break-room blender lets employees make smoothies and healthy snacks at work.

hardin library staff party
Funding from liveWELL allowed Hardin Library for Sciences staff to purchase a blender, which they use to make healthy snacks and smoothies. Photo courtesy of liveWELL.

At a kickoff event, each of the 23 staff members received a reusable University of Iowa Hawkeyes cup for smoothies. The blender and reusable cups were supplied with funding from the Wellness Grant program through UI’s liveWELL program. Staffers use a signup sheet to ensure a steady supply of ingredients: fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, dairy, and juices.

The blender has made eating healthier easier, and employees are excited to use this new tool.

“I think it has given staff an alternative and healthy option when thinking about and planning snack/meal options at work,” says Derek Johnson, health professionals outreach librarian at the Hardin Library. “For some staff, the smoothie day that we hosted was their first time using this type of blender, and many commented on the ease and tastiness of the outcome.”

Many staff members expressed plans to continue using the blender for smoothies and snacks while at the office or to incorporate it into meals for staff luncheons.

There are many ways to facilitate healthier eating in the workplace:

  • Offer fruit at meetings instead of pastries;
  • Host healthy potlucks;
  • Start an Office Salad Club where each person brings a topping for salads to share.
  • Hold brown-bag lunches;
  • Bring a healthy snack for afternoon hunger; or
  • Organize a single departmental monthly celebration instead of multiple days a month of birthday/holiday treats.

Is your group interested in cultivating a wellness project within your workplace? Learn how a Wellness Grant from liveWELL can help.

Improve your nutrition habits now

Participate in BinGO HAWKS, Sept. 25–Oct. 29. During this five-week program, participants will use a bingo card to track their weekly nutrition goals in five key areas: fiber, fruit, lean protein, vegetables, and hydration. Learn more about BinGo HAWKS for students and BinGoHAWKS for faculty and staff.

The UI’s liveWELL program also offers employees the chance to work with a professional health coach to meet health and wellness goals in areas such as fitness, nutrition, weight loss, and stress/time management. Employees can meet with a coach at multiple campus locations or via phone, Skype, and email. This free service can help you get a healthy start to the new semester. To schedule a meeting with a health coach, contact liveWELL.