Get Cooking Program helps local children

File photo

Big Brothers, Big Sisters
News Release

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When Big Brothers, Big Sisters Executive Director, Darlene Jamieson pitched the idea of a healthy eating program to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, it was not a hard sell.

Adults know that children’s lives will be significantly enhanced through proper nutrition and a healthy respect for food value.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided a generous, two year grant to Big Brothers, Big Sisters for the purpose of ensuring that “Get” Cooking! supports children ages 8 to 17, living in North Bay and surrounding areas.

The program is based on the 2011 “Adventures in Cooking!” which was developed by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and promoted locally by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

In 2011 the local health unit and Big Brothers Big Sisters partnered to provide “Adventures in Cooking!” to local youth.

The need for “Get” Cooking! has become evident in recent years.

Big Brothers Big Sisters staff realize that more and more of their clients are replying “ sandwich” or “ fries” when asked what they had had for dinner.

“We saw first-hand that busy schedules and moderate income can significantly impact choices. What was once a very formal, balanced meal around a dinner table is evolving into a quick bite in front of the t.v." stated Executive Director Darlene Jamieson.

“We hope that in helping children to “get” the importance of shopping, storing, preparing and eating healthfully, we will kick-start their life-long relationship with the foods that will enhance their lives.”

The children meet with “Get” Cooking! co-ordinator Meghan Davis, twice per week for eight weeks.

“Get” Cooking! is a great opportunity for children and youth to gain hands on experience with healthy, nutritious foods. Many times children are eating those “quick fix” foods like pizza pockets because they have not had the experience of making a meal from start to finish. Participating in “Get” Cooking! will help give them the skills to make their fast foods healthier and provide them with a better understanding of the importance of making healthy food choices overall."

The organization’s summer student, Yi Cong Huang, assists with the sessions, ensuring the children receive individual attention as they chop, stir and sauté, under safe conditions.

The Metis Nation of Ontario is also a partner in the program.

Local Metis representatives are dedicated to providing “Get” Cooking! participants with an opportunity to try foods from the Metis culture including bannock and moose.

This partnership helps children to value the origin of food culture and the means with which our ancestors were able to process and cook foods without the technology or resources that we have today.

For more information about the program or to volunteer for Big Brothers, Big Sisters call (705) 474-3041.

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