ASILOMAR APRIL 20, 2011 Cooking Matters: A Collaborative Approach to Nutrition Education

Cooking Matters Courses… Connect families with food by teaching them how to prepare healthy, tasty meals on a limited budget in six two-hour sessions. Are taught by volunteer chefs, nutritionists, and foodies. Allow participants to utilize the skills they’ve learned in class at home by giving out bags of fresh produce to take home each week. Offered at sites serving other needs of low-income communities (food pantries, clinics, etc).

A Typical Cooking Matters Class The nutritionist discusses the importance of a balanced diet. The chef goes over the recipe and explains kitchen safety and knife techniques. The participants get cooking! Everyone enjoys a delicious, healthy meal, and receives a bag of produce to take home. Participants share their health goals and discuss the day’s lesson.

National Responses from Cooking Matters Graduates

Working with volunteers Using their skills Working in teams Making connections

Retaining volunteers “I love cooking healthful meals and this opportunity is in line with what I believe is important - to help people learn how to cook healthful meals incorporating fresh, local ingredients that do not cost a lot.” “A desire to utilize my culinary education/training in a way that practically helps and betters the lives of my community.” “It sounded like a rewarding program and gave me a chance to share my knowledge.”

Volunteer Feedback “Both the nutrition and chef educators took their roles seriously and prepared, as well as the site coordinator. We all communicated well via . The classes happened organically and they were always a success!” – Class Assistant “Volunteering for Cooking Matters gave me the opportunity to focus on community health programs which is what I am most interested in. I enjoy working with different communities and providing proper nutrition education to encourage healthy choices.” – Nutritionist

The Sustainability Pyramid Fresh Approach Staff Funders Host sites Volunteers Graduates! AmeriCorps members 3

Thank you! Connect: Sarah Nelson (925) Facebook: Cooking Matters Bay Area