We are excited to share that in July-December 2024, we will be offering a cooking class series for Seniors.

Lack of access to nutrition information and affordable, high-quality ingredients leaves low-income seniors at disproportionate risk for multiple chronic health conditions. From decades of experience serving acutely low-income seniors in our community dining room, we know firsthand that preparing and sharing meals together reduces seniors’ social isolation while improving physical health and mental wellness including mood and memory.  

During each class participants will be guided in preparing 1 nutritionally balanced recipe from start to finish. The recipes will be designed with ingredients that are affordable, locally accessible to seniors and disabled people, and easy to make at home. Once they prepare the meal, they will eat together while participating in a guided discussion around their own food stories and cultural food and cooking practices.  

In addition, we will produce a Cookbook, a timeless community resource based on video produced in the class. Our staff will film the instructor and create a step-by-step written and video guide so Seniors can make the recipes independently in their own homes.

Questions or interested in participating? Contact Evelyn Carmack at ecarmack@stmaryscenter.org.

Funded by SCAN Health Plan. One of the nation’s largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plans, SCAN is dedicated to keeping seniors healthy and independent.