Celebrating Nutrition Education Across Vermont

A graduating class of The Learning Kitchen from Newport, VT

TLK participants learn about different names for sugar when reading labels

TLK participants make healthy recipes with their peers

A TLK participant readies the homemade sweet potato fries

A volunteer TLK educator does a lesson on the sugar content of soda verses fruit

It can be hard to make ends meet on a small budget and when Vermonters are working-sometimes multiple jobs-everyone in the family is busy, making it that much more daunting to cook meals at home.  Many Vermonters, however, are concerned about the implications of the obesity epidemic and many families on a tight budget want information on how to shop for and prepare low-cost, easy, healthful meals.  Hunger Free Vermont's The Learning Kitchen (TLK) program is designed to empower families with the skills to make nutritious meals on a budget.  Started in 1999, TLK has reach nearly 6,500 participants serving between 400-500 participants each year.  TLK is comprised of three series designed to meet the needs of Vermont's limited income parents, at-risk teens (age 15-19), and youth (ages 11-14).  For each series, Hunger Free Vermont staff work with volunteer hosts, shoppers, chefs, and educators in schools and community programs throughout the state.  Hunger Free Vermont provides the structure, curriculum, and funding to make it possible for whole communities to come together and invest in the nutrition and health of their neighbors.  Each six-week series meets once a week for 2 hours in communities in each of Vermont's 14 counties.

The age-appropriate curricula emphaizes the importance of good nutrition and regular physical activity, shopping on a budget, and improving cooking skills.  In class, volunteer chefs discuss what to look for at local markets, what seasonal produce substitutes they can use in recipes, and encourage the use of 3SquaresVT benefits at farmers' markets.  After preparing and enjoying a meal in class together, participants take home the necessary groceries to recreate the meal at home.  With their classroom experience and ingredients in hand, students are more likely to try the new recipes, thus reinforcing the lessons learned in class.  Participants in the program are shown to consume more fruits and vegentables and make critical changes to their eating habits.  Children in particular are excellent change agents at home.  After trying new foods they have washed, peeled, chopped, cooked, and enjoyed with their peers, they are likely to request these items from their parents at home, improving the eating habits for the whole family.

If you know of a community who would like to host TLK please be in touch!  Nutrition education is a critical tool in improving the state of hunger and malnutrition in our citizens.  You can also support TLK by making a donation on our website.