Be Fit Eat Fit: South Carolina's Community Nutrition Program

What Be Fit Eat Fit Does

Be Fit Eat Fit is a community nutrition education program run by Clemson University Cooperative Extension that teaches South Carolinians how to prepare affordable, healthy meals at home. The program focuses on practical cooking skills, budget-friendly recipes, and nutrition information—not on dieting or weight loss alone, though better eating habits often follow. Classes and workshops happen in community centers, libraries, and health departments across the state, and most are free or low-cost.

The program reaches people where they already gather, rather than asking them to travel to a clinic or hospital. Instructors teach real cooking techniques in real kitchens, using ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Sessions cover meal planning, reading nutrition labels, stretching a food budget, and preparing meals that work for families with different tastes and dietary needs.

Key Takeaways

• Be Fit Eat Fit classes teach cooking and nutrition skills through hands-on workshops in your community, not online or by mail.
• Most programs are free or charge a small fee, and many provide recipe cards and handouts you can take home.
• Clemson Cooperative Extension runs the program through local county offices, so you contact your county extension office to find classes near you.
• Classes cover meal planning on a budget, food safety, reading labels, and cooking methods that save time and money.
• The program is open to anyone—you do not need to meet income requirements or prove residency to attend.

How to Find Classes in Your County

Each South Carolina county has a Clemson Cooperative Extension office that schedules Be Fit Eat Fit workshops. Start by searching online for "[Your County] Clemson Extension" or "[Your County] Extension Office"—for example, "Richland County Clemson Extension." The office website lists upcoming nutrition classes, times, and locations.

You can also call your county extension office directly. Staff can tell you which classes are coming up, where they meet, whether there is a fee, and what to bring. Some offices offer classes at multiple locations throughout the month—a library one week, a community center the next—so calling helps you find one that fits your schedule.

If you cannot find your county office online, contact Clemson University's main extension line or visit the Clemson Cooperative Extension website, which has a county-by-county directory with phone numbers and addresses.

What Happens During a Class

A typical Be Fit Eat Fit session lasts one to two hours and combines short lessons with hands-on cooking. An instructor might start by talking about how to plan meals for the week without spending a lot of money, then move to the kitchen to demonstrate how to chop vegetables quickly or cook dried beans from scratch. Participants often prepare a simple recipe together and taste what they made.

Classes are designed for people with no cooking experience as well as those who cook regularly. Instructors show shortcuts—like using frozen vegetables, which are just as nutritious as fresh and often cheaper—and explain why certain cooking methods work better than others. You leave with printed recipes, a shopping list, and ideas you can use at home that same week.

Some sessions focus on specific topics: cooking for one or two people, preparing meals when you have limited time, making food that works for kids and adults, or managing food allergies and dietary restrictions. Ask your county extension office which topics are coming up.

Cost and Registration

Most Be Fit Eat Fit classes are free. Some counties charge a small fee—usually between $5 and $15 per person—to cover ingredients or materials. A few programs ask you to register ahead of time so instructors know how many people to expect; others let you drop in without signing up. Call your county extension office to find out what applies where you live.

If cost is a barrier, tell the extension office when you call. Many programs have scholarships or can waive fees for people facing financial hardship. Do not assume you cannot attend because of money—ask first.

Topics You Can Learn

Be Fit Eat Fit covers a wide range of practical skills. Common workshop topics include meal planning and grocery shopping on a budget, food safety and proper storage, reading and understanding nutrition labels, cooking with whole grains and beans, preparing vegetables so your family will eat them, and quick weeknight dinners for busy families.

Some classes teach specific cooking methods: how to use a slow cooker, prepare food in bulk and freeze it, cook with less salt and sugar, or adapt favorite family recipes to be more nutritious. Others focus on eating well with specific health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or on feeding children and teenagers.

The program also covers food budgeting and stretching dollars—how to use sales and coupons, buy in bulk without waste, and choose store brands. Instructors explain which convenience foods are worth the cost and which you can make cheaper at home.

Who Runs Be Fit Eat Fit

Clemson University Cooperative Extension operates Be Fit Eat Fit as part of its mission to bring research-based information to South Carolina communities. The program is funded through Clemson, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and sometimes by local health departments or community organizations.

Instructors are nutrition educators, registered dietitians, or trained extension staff who work for your county extension office. They are not selling anything—the program is educational and nonprofit. Recipes and information come from research about what actually works for families, not from diet companies or food brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have cooking experience to attend?

No. Be Fit Eat Fit classes are designed for people at all skill levels, from those who rarely cook to experienced home cooks looking to learn new techniques or eat more healthfully. Instructors explain each step and do not assume you know anything going in.

Can I bring my children to class?

That depends on the specific class and your county extension office. Some sessions are designed for families and welcome children; others are for adults only. Call ahead and ask. Many offices offer separate children's nutrition classes or family cooking workshops.

What if I have a food allergy or dietary restriction?

Tell your county extension office when you register or call. Instructors can often adapt recipes or suggest alternatives. Some classes specifically address allergies, vegetarian cooking, or other dietary needs—ask what is available in your area.

Are the recipes expensive or hard to make?

No. Be Fit Eat Fit focuses on affordable ingredients and simple techniques. Recipes use foods you can find at any grocery store and methods that work in a regular home kitchen. The whole point is to show that healthy eating does not have to be complicated or costly.

How do I find my county extension office if I cannot find it online?

Call Clemson University Cooperative Extension's main number or visit the Clemson Extension website, which has a searchable directory of all county offices. You can also contact your local health department or library—they often have extension office information or can point you in the right direction.