The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, in partnership with Parkview Health, will begin taking applications for the Our HEALing Kitchen program on March 1.

Our HEALing Kitchen is a “Train-the-Trainer” program to help people, especially those who are low-income or vulnerable, learn to prepare healthy and affordable meals. Using Our HEALing Kitchen curriculum, developed by Parkview Health dietitians, organizations host a series of six to eight cooking and nutrition classes for anywhere from eight to 12 students. Organizations designate a program facilitator who receives training and coaching, as well as the materials needed to teach a successful series of classes.

“In this era of fast food and busy schedules, families often have little time to prepare nutritious meals, and it’s especially difficult for those who have tight budgets,” says Meg Distler, executive director of the St. Joe Foundation. “This curriculum is designed to teach people how to cook not just affordable meals, but also healthy ones, which can help reduce the effects of chronic illness such as diabetes and heart disease.”

Last year, more than 500 youth and adults participated in Our HEALing Kitchen classes and after they completed the course, they reported eating more fruits and vegetables, as well as being better informed about how to prepare healthy meals. Since 2016, more than 2,000 residents have taken the Our HEALing Kitchen course.
Grants range from $500 to $1,500 and are available for churches, nonprofits, and other organizations that serve vulnerable or low-income youth or adults. Grants cover the costs of food, necessary cooking utensils and equipment, and a final class celebration and incentives.

Applications will be accepted March 1 through April 1, 2022. More information may be found beginning March 1 online at www.sjchf.org and applications may be submitted online through the grants portal by clicking on the “grants” menu item at www.sjchf.org.