Cooking Matters provides a strong foundation in nutrition, cooking, and household budgeting through our specialized courses for adults, kids, and teens.
Cooking & Nutrition Education Class Series
Each of the classes listed below is a fun and interactive cooking & nutrition class series that meets once a week for six weeks. Each 2-hour class builds on the previous sessions and is taught by volunteer chef and nutrition instructors, who will guide participants through hands-on food preparation and nutrition activities. Participants will learn about healthy meal preparation and sensible shopping on a limited budget. At the end of each lesson, the participants will have the opportunity to taste their food creation. To host a class series, the Host Agency must recruit 12-16 people who must attend class each week. If class attendance falls below 8 people more than once, the program may be subject to be canceled. To graduate, participants must attend at least 4 out of 6 classes; graduates of the program will receive a small gift and a graduation certificate at the final class.
The following are curriculum-specific guidelines and descriptions:
- Cooking Matters for Adults is a cooking & nutrition class series for adults. Classes 1-4 will include hands-on cooking lessons and participants will take home a bag of groceries so they can practice the recipes at home. Class five will be a grocery store tour and shopping contest; participants will each receive a $10 dollar gift certificate. Classes are offered in English and Spanish.
- The Parents of Preschoolers Addendum complements the Cooking Matters for Adults curriculum and focuses on the special nutritional needs of children ages zero to three; it is available in English and Spanish.
- The HIV/AIDS Addendum complements the Cooking Matters for Adults curriculum and is designed to teach people living with HIV & AIDS and their caretakers about healthy meal preparation specific to their nutritional needs.
- Cooking Matters for Kids is a hands-on cooking & nutrition class series designed for children between the ages of 8 and 12. Children will be involved in following recipes, making a meal/hearty snack and enjoying their creation.
- Cooking Matters for Teens is a hands-on cooking & nutrition class series designed for teenagers. Teens will learn how to make healthy food choices and prepare healthy meals and snacks.
- Cooking Matters for Families brings together elementary school-aged children and their families together to learn about healthy eating and the importance of family mealtime. Classes 1-4 will include hands-on cooking lessons and each child & caregiver pair will take home a bag of groceries so they can practice the recipes at home. Class five will be a grocery store tour.