In January and February, the Greenheart Community Program, in partnership with Franklin County MU Extension, hosted a Family Cooking Class at our St. Clair location. Despite some challenges with the weather impacting our schedule, three dedicated families joined us for this hands-on experience, gaining valuable skills in the kitchen and learning how to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals together.

Each week, families participated in interactive cooking demonstrations, physical activities, and food tastings designed to encourage healthy habits. Parents and children worked side by side to create meals they could easily recreate at home, reinforcing the importance of nutritious food and family mealtime. Some of the favorite recipes from the class included fruit pizza and fresh salsa, which were both big hits with kids and parents alike!

Beyond cooking delicious meals, families also gained valuable kitchen skills through educational lessons on hand washing, knife safety, and measuring both liquid and dry ingredients. These lessons helped build confidence and independence in the kitchen, ensuring that cooking remains a fun and safe activity for the whole family.

To support families beyond the class, participants received free goodies, recipes, and resources to continue their cooking journey at home. Now, they are equipped to make cooking a regular family activity, strengthening bonds while making healthier food choices.

While the class has come to an end, the impact of these lessons will continue in the homes of those who participated. We hope to bring more nutrition education opportunities to our community in the future!
Thank you to MU Extension, our wonderful participants, and everyone who helped make this program possible. Stay tuned for more upcoming events and workshops!

Franklin County - MU Extension: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/franklin
JFCAC Greenheart Community Program: https://www.jfcac.org/greenheart.html