The series was developed for community use in South Carolina as a turn-key program to complement the FoodShare boxes. The purposes of these classes are to help participants gain confidence in their own kitchen and to give them the skills needed to create healthy, delicious meals. We have heard from the community that cooking and nutrition skills are a vital part of individuals being able to make the healthy choice the easy choice. Preparing more healthy meals at home will help people increase their fruit and vegetable consumption and spend less money on eating out.

This series is made to be flexible so that organizations can implement the classes in the best way possible for their clients. Classes can be hosted virtually or in person. 

The four-class series focuses on these five components:

• Food Safety
• Cooking Methods
• Cooking Skills
• Food Storage Tips
• Nutrition 

The methods and skills include:

• Raw and Saute
• Dry Heat: Roasting and Baking
• Moist Heat: Braising and Simmering
• Steaming and Zesting

The class is meant to be flexible so that it can be tailored to meet the needs of participating community members. For example, there may be a class that offers more information that pertains to diabetic participants, or there may be a series that is four classes but stretched out over four months instead of seven weeks. 

We also have a similar series for Spanish speakers. The Spanish classes are focused more on incorporating children and family into cooking rather than on basic cooking skills. 

Contact Us

Participating Organizations:

• Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: Available classes 
• The Bridge at Green Street
• YMCA
• Charles Lea Center