We live in a world capable, in principle, of providing a diverse and healthy diet for all, and yet one quarter of its people suffer from frequent hunger and ill health generated by diet that is poor in quality, quantity or both. Another quarter of the world’s population eats too much food, food that is often heavy with calories and low on nutrients (colloquially called “junk food”). R Albritton – Food and Culture: A Reader, 2013. As a result Faith Foundation will work to combat these issues through our Healthy First Program.

“Roots” Faith Foundation’s six-week culturally based nutritional cooking program is designed to educate communities about the nutritious, plant-based, whole foods traditionally eaten by ancestors. The 6-week program is designed to help bridge culture and nutrition. Each of the six lessons incorporates cultural history, nutrition, cooking instruction, and testings in order to reconnect students to a long lineage of healthy eating. The cooking classes empower participants with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to prepare healthy recipes at home. The course progresses as follows:

• Lesson 1: Herbs & Spices
• Lesson 2 Leafy Greens
• Lesson 3 Whole Grains
• Lesson 4 Beans & Rice
• Lesson 5 Tubers & Mashes
• Lesson 6 Fruits & Vegetables

The Program will impact children who attend the daycare centers, parents and families of children who attend the daycare centers, and daycare center staff. Families and friends of participants will be impacted as participants promote their easy and healthy recipes on social media at the end of each session. The community will be impacted by learning about healthy food preparation at the Healthy Food Fun Fair.