Healthy Cooking with Local Matters
Have you ever wanted to take a hands-on cooking class, but didn't know where to start? Try Local Matters, a non-profit organization, located right off Parsons Ave. in Columbus, Ohio. Their mission focuses on creating healthy communities through food education, access and advocacy.
From hands-on cooking classes to gardening workshops, you can learn more about healthy eating though thoughtful conversations about food and culture, and you can do that with instruction from food educators like my friend, Jori Turner. All classes are accessible to everyone regardless of ability to pay or skill level (but if you can, try to make a donation).
Start cooking today and check out their events schedule to see which class is best for you.
Last month, Jori introduced me to Local Matters (aka her kick-ass job) by hosting a healthy cooking class on her twenty-fifth birthday. As a picky eater, I was a little reluctant to try what was on the menu, but to my surprise every dish we made was delicious.
Through this class, I tried spinach, vegetable chili and homemade croutons for the first time. I know! What kind of blogger am I? One who is doing her best to incorporate healthy eating into her lifestyle, despite the lack of variety with my food choices.
The best part of this class was being able to work in small groups where we each were responsible to contribute to different parts of the meal. From strawberry spinach salad to homemade jalapeno cornbread cooked on a skillet, this class was educational, fun and interactive. Trust me, you'll love it.
If you're still wondering what else these inspiring food advocates do, check out their five core programs:
Cooking Matters, a national approach to hunger, delivered through six weeks of hands-on cooking and nutrition instruction that helps families cook healthful, delicious meals on a limited budget and provides groceries.
Food Matters, a weekly, hands-on food education and movement program for children primarily in low-income areas reaching over 5,000 children and parents annually.
Growing Matters, an innovative food production and education program that equips communities with strategies that address food security through skill development and collaborative engagement.
Wellness Matters, our social enterprise brings interactive and fun healthful food education to the workplace. With expert-designed packages and à la carte options, we help you to meet your wellness and engagement goals.
Food Planning, a community-based process to create a comprehensive plan to increase the availability, affordability, and knowledge of fresh fruits and vegetables.
I believe the best way to learn is to experience and I'm so glad I did. Thank you, Jori and the amazing staff at Local Matters for an awesome cooking class. I had a great time and I look forward to collaborating in the future.
Also, if you're new to Local Matters or you've always wanted to try a class, what are you waiting for? Sign up today or get involved through volunteer work or donations, visit the website: www.local-matters.org for more information. I hope you take action and build healthy eating into your everyday lifestyle along with making a difference in your community.
Local Matters
33 Parsons Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43206
info@local-matters.org
(614) 263-5662