Cooking Matters

As part of the strong component of strong, smart, and bold, we provide a curriculum around healthy living as part of the continuum of our programming. The 4th and 5th graders in several of our school-based programs are currently learning more about nutrition and cooking with a virtual cooking class facilitated by 18 Reasons and sponsored by the Golden State Warriors. Taught by a trained chef and nutritionist, the class introduces culinary skills, nutrition knowledge, and a love of home cooking through a series of lessons created for our youth.

In one session the chef demonstrated how to make a vegetable wrap with quinoa on the side. The youth loved laughing along with him as he used humor and excitement while prepping and cooking. He introduced the youth to foods they might not be familiar with and led a discussion on the health benefits of each ingredient. The 4th and 5th graders were surprised to learn that quinoa is a great substitute for white rice as it has twice as much protein and 5g more fiber. He encouraged them to cook with color – yellow squash, green zucchini, red peppers, and orange sweet potato—explaining that each color in a vegetable signifies different nutrients that are good for your body. The youth were taking notes, asking questions, and suggesting recipes for the next class. They were even excited about the assignment for the week – eat one of the items discussed in the session and report back on the taste and the health benefits.

As the culminating project of this six-week class, our participants will be cooking at home along with the chef! Each student will receive a kit with all of the required ingredients needed to make the recipe along with an apron and cutting board. This kind of hands-on nutritional education plays a key role in the healthy development of our youth. Nutritious foods provide their bodies and minds with the energy needed to grow, feel well, be active, stay healthy and learn.

Thank you to the Golden State Warriors and 18 Reasons for this amazing opportunity!