By Lauren Zielinski | Corporate and Community Relations Developer
People from different backgrounds bond while learning to cook
If you’ve been to a party at someone’s home, chances are you ended up socializing in the kitchen. Food is the ultimate icebreaker. Over the course of six weeks, Cooking Matters helps low income participants learn how to prepare healthy meals on a budget – many also come away with new friendships and support networks.
A volunteer who ran a class at Central City Concern noticed a strong bond forming among some of the participants. She discovered that the three of them pooled their groceries, cooked together and invited others to join them. All three successfully completed the course and learned skills to last a lifetime.
In another class coordinated in conjunction with Multnomah County Health Department, participants included English speakers, three people who spoke Somali, their interpreter, and three who spoke Swahili along with their interpreter. Using the interpreters, facial expressions and hand signals, all were included in all discussions and cooking activities. At the end of each class everyone shared in the meal.
Cooking Matters is designed to help people learn basic skills, but it also encourages them to discuss their lived experiences and share cultural differences. It’s donors like you who bring confidence-building programs to communities across the state.
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