From slicing vegetables to sharing a meal, our MOKA participants discovered the joy of healthy cooking through the YMCA’s Cooking Matters program. Cooking Matters is a national program focusing on providing the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make healthy and affordable meals. Throughout the six-week course, the group was deeply immersed in every aspect of meal preparation, learning to create well-rounded and balanced dishes.
“This class was both fun and educational! There were lots of smiles and enjoyment for the meals that they made,” said Jamie Romanosky, Supervisor of Community Supports.
The group prepared a breakfast casserole with an egg base and various delicious vegetables in the pictured session. Each participant played a crucial role in creating the final product; from cleaning produce, to chopping fruits and vegetables, and assisting with the cooking process.
Each session concluded with a shared meal, where participants discussed the nutritional content and the role of each food group in the dish. This discussion reinforced the lessons learned during the cooking process and helped participants understand the importance of eating a variety of foods. Additionally, each participant was provided with the ingredients and recipes needed to recreate the meal at home.
Thank you to the YMCA and Cooking Matters for providing valuable skills and a positive experience for the people we serve!