Newberry Observer

“Cooking Matters” with Family Literacy

NEWBERRY — The Newberry Family Literacy Program sponsored a six-week series of “Cooking Matters” sessions as a community outreach during the months of January and February. Each week there were different topics that centered around healthy food options, understanding and using food labels wisely, raising healthy eaters, getting the best value for; fruits, vegetables and whole grains and more.

Attendees also received and prepared healthy recipes each week. Child education services were provided by the Family Literacy Program during each session. One session included a healthy meal shopping challenge, in which each attendee had to purchase food to prepare a complete healthy meal for $10.00 or less.

Sonnia Luviano and her children won the challenge by using coupons, they were able to purchase the healthy meal at a cost of zero dollars. According to the facilitators this had never been done before.

The “Cooking Matters” course graduates were; Dynasti Davis, Lisa Davis, Keanna Boyd, Emma Crump, Mackenzie Cannon, Connie Shannon, Delores Jones, Michelle Davis, Maggie Davis, Sonnia Luviano and Kim Wright. Those recognized for perfect attendance were; Maggie Davis, Michelle Davis, Connie Shannon and Emma Crump. Each graduate received a gift bag filled with kitchen tools that the participants had been trained to use during the six-week program.

The facilitators for the sessions were: Deletra Harmon RD, LD-SNAP-ED registered dietitian, Kristina Singh NES, CLC; Cooking Matters Nutrition Education specialist and Rebecca Wrenn MS, RD LD; Cooking Matters coordinator.

The Cooking Matters sessions, which lasted six weeks, touched on different topics surrounding healthy eating such as understanding food labels and raising healthy eaters.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Cooking-Matters-Picture-2018-2-1.jpgThe Cooking Matters sessions, which lasted six weeks, touched on different topics surrounding healthy eating such as understanding food labels and raising healthy eaters. Courtesy photo

Staff Report