Cooking with Me

Cooking with Meprogram components:

After School NutritionThe first will reach children enrolled in YMCA after-school programs in Roanoke City Schools. Participants will receive instructional classes on how to cook dishes that feed like a meal, such as soups, stir fries, salads, and pasta dishes, all with nutrition in mind. Learn more about Y After School.

Adult Cooking ClassesThe last component is geared towards adults. Spring, Summer, and Fall adult cooking sessions will be held at the Gainsboro YMCA at no cost to attendees. Participants will learn everything from how to use different spices to including more nutritional choices for food preparation.

We have plans to start doing cooking classes for the CAFE Middle School Afterschool Program- stay tuned!

Our Commitment

This initiative is being made possible because of a grant from the Kroger Foundation and a commitment by the YMCA and Kroger Mid-Atlantic to improve the nutritional health of the community. Cooking with Me programs are at no cost to participants.

Our Goal

One of our overall goals for the Cooking with Me program in addition to teaching healthy habits is to bring families back to the dinner table. Studies show that family meals have many benefits behaviorally, socially, and emotionally while providing an opportunity for families to bond.