FHR member Joseph, center, participated in the weekly inter-faith cooking class. |
FHR members in North Carolina study nutrition in a six-week long cooking class
Raleigh, NC – February 29, 2012 – Members at Fellowship Health Resources, Inc. (FHR) in North Carolina are exploring nutrition and learning a thing or two around the kitchen during the six-week inter-faith cooking class that kicked off on Thursday, February 16.
The interactive cooking class is held weekly at the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program (PSR) from 10 a.m. to noon. There are about 20 participants each week, including four or five instructors, as well as 15 consumers. All of the cooking takes place inside a fully-equipped kitchen, while the post-cooking, educational activities are held in a classroom.
PSR Case Manager Tiffany Holden understands the importance of healthy eating and explains, “With these cooking classes I hope to raise awareness of proper nutrition and spread the word of healthy eating tips and information.” Holden served as an observer during the first class and will continue to assist in creating the weekly dish.
During the first class, participants decided to make vegetable lasagna. “We discussed how this vegetable dish was healthier than traditional beef lasagna because there is less saturated fat,” says Holden.
Persons served express interest and share their favorite foods with one another to determine each weekly dish. The staff plans to incorporate collard greens into next week’s meal as a response to the consumers’ requests. This way, consumers are continually included in every aspect of the class.
After cooking, participants work in groups in order to complete activities pertaining to healthy eating information. “On top of learning about nutrition, persons served have the opportunity to develop social skills through the group work in the classroom,” explains Holden.
The first week’s activity incorporated decision-making skills by choosing which food was the healthier option. “For example, one of the cards showed pictures of popcorn and fruit. Although fruit does have more sugar, it is still considered the healthy option due to its many vitamins,” Holden explains.
Staff members agree that everyone involved is incredibly enthusiastic about this new program. Holden hopes that interest and participation will remain high over the next five weeks.
For more information about the inter-faith group cooking class at FHR North Carolina, please contact Tiffany Holden at 919-573-6526.