Socializing. The people. And, of course, baking cookies. These were some of the highlights for participants in our Community Kitchens program last fall.
Community Kitchens brings people together to socialize and learn different ways to prepare healthy food. It’s a free program for people living with low income. It offers a safe space to share knowledge and techniques, plan and prepare healthy, affordable meals.
“The cooking class was great. It helped me have full meals, let us visit and get to know others, learn new things to eat and prepare. I love it. I’m going to miss it.”
We asked our most recent participants what their favourite part of the weekly gatherings was, and their responses reflected the quote in the title of this blog: “good food and meeting new people.” Participants talked a lot about the people and social interaction, meeting new people, and socializing. Making healthy food and learning new cooking skills came second.
This shouldn’t be surprising considering that three quarters of the participants are age 50 or older, and more than half of all the participants live alone. Loneliness can contribute to anxiety, depression and other health issues. Programs such as Community Kitchens are important to building a healthy community.
“This program is great for our community to help feed individuals and families. You meet new people and work together to make amazing meals.”
88% said Community Kitchens improved their social connections and their feelings of inclusion and belonging. 82% said it improved their emotional well-being. All participants said Community Kitchens improved their food security.
Participants come with a wide range of kitchen knowledge and approaches, from pretty raw to well-seasoned. Ultimately, most of them, 94%, said that their ability to prepare healthy meals for themselves or their family improved in some capacity.
“I like the fact that we got to cook everything we made and got to pick out what we made each week. Awesome program!!”
We also provide information about other community resources for our participants, such as counselling, support groups, food banks, disability supports, and childcare supports.
One participant shared this with us: “The classes helped me learn to cook, helped my social skills, got me out of the house regularly and inspired me to get a full time job in a fine dining kitchen as a dishwasher. My confidence has improved greatly. My life has direction and it’s good to be busy and living better.”
Clearly, this program is working.
Community Kitchens is one of our poverty reduction programs, and when the next session starts, we’re thrilled that we’ll be able to host it in our new community kitchen in our new building. The program is funded entirely with donations and through fundraising such as Coldest Night to the Year. If you’re supporting CNOY, this is the impact you are making.
We also have a gift registry to help outfit our community kitchen facilities for programs such as Community Kitchens.
Back in the kitchen, one participant concluded telling us that their favourite part was baking cookies. You can’t argue with that.
A big thank you to our funders that make Community Kitchens possible: Coldest Night of the Year, Trail Safeway, Hamber Foundation, and First Presbyterian Church, Trail.
