Kids Cook Monday at PS 294
On an evening early in December, 15 families gathered at PS 294 for an event inspired by Kids Cook Monday – a campaign based on the research-supported idea that Mondays are the best days to start healthy new habits. According to the Kids Cook Monday website, “research shows that kids who consistently eat dinner with their families are less likely to be obese and are more likely to get better grades and avoid drugs. Cooking also reinforces skills to help kids succeed like math, teamwork and following instructions.” Our FoodCorps member, Kelsey, led this event with assistance from the rest of the Communities for Healthy Food team and staff from PS 294, as an opportunity for parents and children to practice cooking together.
The night started with a discussion about food hygiene and safety, and the importance of eating meals together and kids learning how to cook. The families then prepared a One-Pot Enchilada (check out the recipe below!), splitting up the tasks between adults and kids. While the enchilada cooked, each person decorated a chef hat for themselves. Once the food was ready, families enjoyed their meal together. Every parent and child tried the one-pot enchilada bowl, and the overall review was a big thumbs up! Two raffle prize winners took home prize baskets filled with all of the ingredients for another healthy and simple recipe to make together as a family- Baked Potato Nachos – as well as a copy of the cookbook Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day.
As we begin a new year and tackle our New Year’s resolutions, keep in mind the power of Mondays for starting something new!
2016 Highlights
This has been a powerful year for Communities for Healthy Food at New Settlement. Here are some of our highlights:
- Raised $3,209 in our first-ever crowdfunding campaign to start a Leadership Group around food justice issues (stay tuned for updates on this in 2017!)
- Donated 845 pounds of fresh, local produce to Siena House
- Held a Reimagining Recipes workshop, three Community Building Dinners, and a trip to McEnroe Farm in upstate New York
- Supported culinary, nutrition, and food justice programming for 124 youth and 46 adults
- Delivered classroom-based lessons to 553 elementary school students
- Held a dedication ceremony for the food worker-themed mural entitled “Fruits of Our Labor”, which was created by CMSP327 students and installed across the street from their school entrance
As we move into 2017, we anticipate facing many challenges which have always existed, but are now coming to the forefront with increasing intensity. We have faith in the strength and resilience of our community, and we commit to supporting and uplifting Bronx residents as we collectively fight for justice.