I loved learning about food items that I did not even know about before, like Quinoa, Kale, Vegetarian options (like how to make Ratatouille), other healthy greens, fruit and grains. I now incorporate these into my daily menus. It is extremely important to me to teach my children early about healthy eating habits and my kids don’t get sick because I’m now concentrating on what I feed them! – Julia
Nutrition Education is part of the Food for Families program, which combines a weekly nutritious food bank with a nutrition and food security education program which we call the EduKitchen.
The EduKitchen program is free to all registered Food for Families participants, and includes workshops and classes on a variety of food and health related topics.
Cooking Classes
While workshops vary, we always offer several cooking courses a year, each one with four classes covering Breakfast, Soups & Salads, Main Courses, Snacks & Desserts. The main focus of these classes is on cooking techniques and menu suggestions with an emphasis on healthy eating, low cost budget menus and shopping. Much time is spent discussing how a child’s energy level is maintained throughout the day and what foods help them learn better and remain alert. The Canada Food guide is used as the basis of the daily nutritional needs for all family members.
Workshops
Workshop topics have included:
• Container Gardening
• Regional cooking – Latin American, Chinese, etc.
• Eating for Energy
• Feeding your Baby
• Supermarket Budget and Healthy shopping
Download healthy, nutritious recipes
For more information on the Food for Families program, please contact the Program Coordinator, Laura Albert at 604-254-2489 or via email at: LauraA@cityreach.org
Food for Families thrives on the help of volunteers and in-kind donors of food and other products. Please contact Laura if you wish to assist in either of these areas.
Interested in supporting this program
Photos of the Food for Families program in action
I’ve really benefited from the education – the first class was about breakfast and it totally changed my lifestyle. I learned that eating a healthy breakfast that includes protein and good sugars is so important for our bodies. It’s made a huge difference to my daughter and I by starting our day with a healthy breakfast. – EduKitchen Participant