COMMUNITY KITCHEN FOR LEARNING. I have spent hours researching community kitchens around the country. What I have found is the majority of "community kitchens" exist to serve prepared meals vs. providing an educational element. This also rings true in the Quad Cities community. Returning individuals and families to self-sufficiency requires more than just providing a "handout." The Community Kitchen for the Quad Cities must include the educational element to make an impact in the community and to achieve our mission of empowering individuals and families. Additionally, through research it was discovered that healthy "cooking classes" tend to be marketed to a certain demographic; a demographic that does not include those struggling with food insecurity. This creates the belief that there is a great need for this type of community kitchen in the Quad Cities.
- It is a shocking fact the number of individuals/families in the QC community experiencing food insecurity, which is more than just being hungry. According to Feeding America, one in six children (roughly 13 million nationwide) is expected to need food aid this year. Individuals visiting food pantries are typically seeking a quick solution; they are looking for any type of food to put in their hungry bellies. When addressing food insecurity, providing enough calories and quantities of food cannot remain the focus. Although most individuals are receiving enough calories, disproportionate access to nutritious and affordable food, remains, causing obesity rates, as well as other chronic diseases, continues to rise. Resolutions to the crisis of food insecurity is not solely about ensuring people have adequate amounts of food, but that the food received is high-quality and most importantly, nutritious.
- Although it is important to provide individuals with food, both shelf-stable and fresh, the lack of access to and awareness of how to utilize nutritious food, remains a constant cause of poor health. There is a huge nutrient gap that exists in the diets of many individuals in the QC community. Better accessibility to affordable, nutrient-rich foods needs to be created to turn around the poor health issues our community is experiencing.
- Nutrition equity is lacking in the QC community. Access to nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, regardless of race, education, gender, employment, or ability must be a priority; identifying barriers and allocating resources to remove those barriers is vital to achieving nutrition equity. For individuals to experience the benefits of better health, access to food offering a unique pack of nutrients working together, is vital. Optimal growth and development in children will occur, as well as a reduced risk of chronic disease in adults. The addition of fruit, vegetables, milk, dairy, whole grains, and lean protein needs to be encouraged, which will, in turn, reduce consumption of highly processed foods that are high in calories but lack vital nutrients.
- Not only does a lack of access to nutritious food exist, the knowledge to make healthier food choices and the skills & ability to create nutritious meals, remains equally missing. Providing such access will help create healthy eating patterns, which is known to play an important role in preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, especially in marginalized communities. Having the knowledge, combined with skills and access, helps empower behaviors that lead to better health habits. These are simple steps; however, they will go a long way in improving overall health and well-being.
- YWCA QC EC has never had the capacity to offer a Community Kitchen. Now that the space is available, having the financial backing for a full renovation to bring the current commercial kitchen up to code is all that is needed to make this a reality. The numbers of individuals and families that will benefit from this additional resource is significant.
- Not only will the creation of a Community Kitchen align with the services currently offered at YWCA QC EC, it will compliment the services and programs already in place. The Community Kitchen will prove its importance by serving current YWCA QC EC clients, as well as new individuals and families seeking this specific resource.
- Everyone deserves to be healthy, and one way to support that is by ensuring all children, families and communities have access to wholesome, nutritious foods.
- A major focus of the YWCA QC EC is dedicated to assisting clients with their immediate needs to prevent a crisis situation. We pride ourselves on the fierce dedication to helping women & families through individualized services built to break down barriers and lift-up not only women, but the whole community. Providing whatever resources possible to end the cycle of resource dependence is a crucial piece in returning an individual to self-sufficiency. The EC is where individuals receive the support they need and build the self-worth they deserve. We know that empowering individuals and families has long lasting economic and social benefits in our community, and we also know that the idea of empowerment can take many forms. For this reason, we work with flexibility with support and expertise to bring women and their family’s success, however that may look.
- Creating awareness to the benefits of healthy eating and how to create that for oneself, is so much more than providing a food box. Just because people are eating, doesn't mean they're eating well, often creating a poor quality of life. Having a Community Kitchen offering not only education on nutrition, but a hands-on learning experience on how to make affordable & nutritious meals would cause a significant improvement to one's qualify of life. Many have the desire to do this; however, they don't know how to make it happen.
- Providing a supportive space for individuals to learn about healthy eating is significant in creating a better community. Nutrition is a critical part of health & development and is directly related to improved infant, child & maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy & childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases, & longevity. Everyone needs to eat; therefore, food should not be a luxury. The less fortunate should not be shamed into hunger. Everyone in a community deserves to eat and eat well; some just need to learn how to do it.
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