"My awareness of nutrition has escalated immensely. It's reignited a passion I have with cooking and food. Now, I read labels at the store too." - community member, Calgary
Food skills programs provide people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to grow, cook, and choose healthy food for themselves and their families. Through hands-on experience and the support of a community, people are empowered to take control of their health and nutrition and make lasting, sustainable changes in their diets. 77% of people surveyed say they've made healthy changes to their diets since they started coming to programs.
Community kitchens: These programs bring people together to cook new recipes, try new flavours, and have fun working as a team in the kitchen. Whether it’s a family cooking program that encourages parents and children to prepare meals together, or an
intercultural kitchen program that makes dishes from a different country each week, every community kitchen uses healthy food as the key ingredient to learning, building skills, and connecting with others.
Community gardens: These programs provide opportunities for people to grow food for themselves and for other Community Food Centre programs. Garden programs offer something for everyone -- a chance to develop skills, to exercise, to access healthy food, and to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. All of these benefits combined can have a positive effect on mental well-being. 56% of those surveyed have noticed improvements in their mental health as a result of their Community Food Centre.
After-school programs: These interactive programs engage children and youth in a variety of fun, food-related activities, from cooking to gardening to riding a bike that blends up smoothies. Kids learn about nutrition and healthy eating, and have opportunities to cook and try new foods.
