Stacie Archer’s Non-Profit Organization Provides Cooking Education and Meal Kits to Low-Income Families
Stacie Archer, a single mom of three, understands the challenges of cooking healthy meals on a tight budget. Determined to help other families facing similar struggles, she founded Get Cooking, a non-profit organization that aims to educate low-income families on shopping for nutritious food and creating meals for $20 or less. Archer believes that healthy home-cooked dinners are essential for children’s development, improving their academic performance, fostering family relationships, and combating child obesity.
The Importance of Family Meals
According to a recent study by the National Institutes of Health, having at least three frequent family meals per week reduces the likelihood of children being overweight by 12%. It also decreases the risk of unhealthy food intake and eating disorders by 20% and 35%, respectively. Archer’s mission with Get Cooking is to empower families to prioritize regular family meals by making them affordable and accessible.
Seven Plates: A Blog to Bust Myths
In 2016, Archer launched a food blog called Seven Plates, offering cooking tips and recipes designed for families of four, all costing no more than $20. The blog aimed to debunk the misconception that healthy cooking is expensive and unappetizing. Archer’s recipes gained significant traction, inspiring her to expand her impact further.
Virtual Interactive Cooking Classes
Archer now co-hosts virtual interactive cooking classes for families living in subsidized housing in Miami and Orlando, Florida. These classes take place twice a month, with one session dedicated to families in Verde Gardens, a townhome community for formerly homeless residents in Miami. The other session focuses on families in Orlando’s poorest neighborhoods, Parramore.
Meal Kits and Step-by-Step Guidance
Two hours before each cooking class, meal kits provided by Second Harvest Food Pantry are delivered to the families’ front doors. These kits contain all the necessary ingredients for the recipe. At 5 p.m., Archer begins the class, welcoming approximately 40 families each time. Parents and children watch attentively as Archer guides them through the cooking process step by step. Archer ensures that the class starts at 5 p.m. to ensure that children are home from school and can actively participate in the preparation.
Building Confidence and Skills
Archer finds it gratifying to be invited into the homes of these families as they cook together. The interactive nature of the classes allows children to learn alongside their parents, cutting vegetables and gaining hands-on experience in the kitchen. Many of these families have never used an oven or frying pan before, so Archer’s guidance not only teaches them about nutritious foods but also builds their confidence in using kitchen appliances.
Shopping on a Budget
In addition to teaching families how to cook nutritious meals, Archer emphasizes the importance of shopping for ingredients on a budget. By physically touching and seeing the ingredients in the meal kits, families gain confidence in their ability to shop wisely for affordable and healthy foods. The goal is for families to take the recipes and skills they learn and apply them during their next grocery shopping trip, making informed choices that stretch their budget.
Conclusion:
Stacie Archer’s non-profit organization, Get Cooking, is making a significant impact on low-income families by providing cooking education, meal kits, and empowering them to prepare healthy meals on a budget. By focusing on the importance of regular family meals and teaching families how to shop for affordable ingredients, Archer is equipping them with the skills and knowledge to improve their overall well-being. Through her efforts, Archer is ensuring that families facing financial constraints can still prioritize nutritious meals and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
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