What is Community Food Education?
Improved access to and affordability of fresh food is a big step but of little help if we don't feel confident using farm fresh produce. The Community Food Education (CFE) Program works with NYC communities to facilitate and multiply interactive Food Education Workshops. These workshops teach CSA members, community gardeners, youth, seniors and other community members new, creative cooking skills and storage options, emphasize the direct relationship between wellness and food, provide easy to use nutrition information and explain the value of local foods and sustainable food systems.
In order to maximize our efforts, the CFE program trains volunteers to be Food Educators. Our educators come from a variety of backgrounds; they include nutritionists, chefs, food activists, parents, food lovers and more. After completing classes on basic nutrition, culinary skills and recipe writing, these highly motivated community mobilizers teach our neighbors how to select, store and preserve fresh produce. They also help people to prepare healthy, delicious and affordable meals that are culturally appropriate . Our Food Educators keep the CFE program sustainable by using the "trainer of trainers" methodology; they don't just teach food skills, they teach more people to be food educators for their own neighborhoods.
Just Food provides ongoing support through consultations and our Veggie Tip Sheet Book to help community volunteers in this process. This extensive volume contains interesting tidbits and useful information about many of the key vegetables and fruits grown in the Northeast Region. The recipes come from cookbooks, farmers, Just Food interns, academics, CSA members and Community Gardeners. Occasional updates will feature more home-grown recipes that allow us to teach each other and create community.
For more information on Just Food's Community Education Program, or to become a Food Educator contact Angela Davis, the CFE Program Coordinator by phone at 212-645-9880 ext 239 or by email at Angela@justfood.org.
