Healthy Cooking Healthy Eating
Making a difference daily
It all started with an amazing donation and kind hearts. LakeWood Regional Healthcare Foundation donated $3,072.48 to a new cooking program in the Highschool. The money was allocated to buy 2 new ranges, a new fridge, a new microwave and many other kitchen supplies. The LakeWood Regional Healthcare Foundation invests in programs and projects that improve the overall health and wellness of the Lake of the Woods County. They prioritize the Community Health Needs. Their mission is to build a healthier Community where we live, work and play.
Jennelle Lowes, staff at Lake of the Woods High School, reached out to Carrie Davidson to inquire about this opportunity. A grant proposal was submitted to the foundation. Our school cooking program’s goal is to educate youth regarding healthy cooking and a healthy lifestyle. According to the CDC, 30.7% of Minnesota young adults are considered obese. The students will learn how to prepare well-balanced healthy meals, safety in the kitchen and proper techniques for cooking.
The students have hit the ground running and are loving this opportunity. They select healthy recipes, they make a grocery list, estimate the cost, shop and prepare. So far, they have made French Onion Soup, Corn Chowder, Lasagna and Caesar Salad, muffins, cookies and Taco Salad. Staff are taking advantage of this opportunity and give a donation towards the meals for sustainability. Staff have donated garden items towards the program.
Other community partnerships have formed with this program. Border Bank donated $500 in kitchen supplies. Nicole Olson reached out and asked us to make a wish list. The students brainstormed items that they felt would help them learn to cook. Within a week we had so many amazing items. One of the students said, “Ms. Jennelle, it feels like Christmas.” Hometown Hardware gave us an excellent price on appliances and delivered and hauled away for free. Ruby’s Pantry donates 2 boxes each month to the program. The students look at what we have and make a list of what we can cook with all the amazing food. Janice Nelson donated kitchen items as well. An anonymous community member donated several Pampered Chef items as well as other items. We appreciate everything people have done for us. If you would like to learn more or want to donate to our program the students have started another wish list.
