Adults learn cooking skills at UF HealthStreet
Photo by UF/IFAS Photography
In the kitchen at UF HealthStreet in Gainesville, Fla., a small group of enthusiastic adults meets weekly to cook together and learn to eat healthier. Each class begins with a discussion about nutrition and time to share their experiences with one another before the cooking begins.
The UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP) provides the free six-week series to help SNAP (formerly Food Stamps)-eligible participants learn how to prepare healthy meals on a limited budget.
The group practices knife skills, basic cooking techniques, such as sautéing, and food safety. At the end of the evening, they each set a personal nutrition-related goal for the week and take home free groceries to practice the recipe at home. One participant said:
“Your class changed my life! I am very thankful. Had I not learned the tools to make better, healthier choices regarding my nutrition, I was surely on my way to a myriad of health problems. I now have the knowledge to read labels and make meal plans and shop.”
UF HealthStreet is an innovative community engagement program at the University of Florida that improves the health of our community by bridging gaps in health care and health research.
