Let’s Eat!
Turkey, stuffing, cranberries – and more! Grocery store shelves are stocked, a chill fills the air,
but the warmth of community remains. The holiday season is right around the corner, and that
means an abundance of delicious food. Gathering around and making a meal brings people
together. What are the benefits of making your own meal?
Learning Ingredients
By preparing your own food, you invest in your health by deciding what goes into each dish.
>Improving overall health, “By learning to cook, you are controlling your calorie intake, and your
protein intake, and you can finally determine what foods you truly do or do not like,”
(DunneBells, para. 3). Individuals living at Echoing Hills of Central Ohio participate in the Cook
Zone program where they learn which ingredients are needed for each meal they create.
Program Director Jackie comments, “They love the program and enjoy picking out what they
want to eat.” Learning the ingredients for each meal has stretched those we serve past their
comfort zones.
Developing New Skills
Life skills such as math, reading, time management, and teamwork develop through the process
of learning a new recipe. Through the Cook Zone program, individuals at Echoing Hills have
mastered new skills, like using a knife. Jackie mentions, “With each of their set jobs, they come
together to make a great meal.” Renee, an individual participating in the program, explains that
stirring is her favorite skill! During their time together, they’ve made KFC bowls, pizza, burgers,
calzones, mozzarella sticks…and more. Renee exclaims, “Pizza and calzones are my favorite!”
Discovering the Value of Nutrition
As Christmas time approaches, all 25 individuals involved in the program will rotate in making
Christmas cookies. However, the two staff members involved have worked to educate the
people we serve on the importance of healthy foods and a balanced diet, one that consists of
more than just sugar and carbs.
