Get Cooking: Empowering Low-Income Families to Cook Healthy Meals on a Budget

Stacie Archer’s non-profit organization, Get Cooking, is revolutionizing the way low-income families approach meal planning and cooking, providing them with the tools and knowledge to create nutritious meals for $20 or less.

Stacie Archer, a single mother of three, understands firsthand the challenges of cooking healthy meals on a tight budget. Determined to alleviate this stress for other families facing similar circumstances, Archer founded Get Cooking, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating low-income families on how to shop for affordable, nutritious food and prepare meals that are both delicious and budget-friendly. With a passion for promoting healthy eating habits and fostering strong family bonds, Archer has successfully empowered hundreds of families to overcome financial constraints and prioritize their well-being through home-cooked meals.

The Importance of Healthy Family Meals:

Archer firmly believes that healthy, home-cooked dinners play a crucial role in children’s development. Not only do these meals enhance cognitive function and academic performance, but they also strengthen family relationships and contribute to the prevention of childhood obesity. Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health supports Archer’s beliefs, revealing that families who share at least three meals per week together reduce the likelihood of childhood obesity by 12%. Moreover, frequent family meals have been shown to decrease the risk of unhealthy food consumption and eating disorders in children by 20% and 35%, respectively.

Seven Plates: A Platform for Affordable Cooking Inspiration

In 2016, Archer’s mission to assist families on tight budgets took shape with the launch of her food blog, Seven Plates. Filled with cooking tips and recipes designed to feed a family of four for $20 or less, the blog aimed to dispel the misconception that healthy cooking is expensive and unappetizing. Archer’s goal was to challenge preconceived notions and offer practical solutions to families accustomed to relying on frozen meals laden with sodium and preservatives.

Teaming Up for Greater Impact:

As Seven Plates gained popularity, Archer realized the potential for even greater impact. Collaborating with award-winning chefs, she expanded her efforts to include virtual interactive cooking classes for families living in subsidized housing in Miami and Orlando, Florida. These classes, held twice a month, cater specifically to families in Verde Gardens, a townhome community in Miami for formerly homeless residents, and families residing in Orlando’s impoverished Parramore neighborhood. To ensure accessibility, meal kits containing all the necessary ingredients are delivered to participants’ doorsteps a few hours before each class, courtesy of Second Harvest Food Pantry.

A Transformative Cooking Experience

At 5 p.m. sharp, Archer begins each virtual cooking class, welcoming approximately 40 families. Parents and children alike watch attentively as she guides them step-by-step through the recipe. Archer encourages questions and clarifies any doubts, ensuring that participants feel confident in their ability to replicate the dish. By intentionally scheduling the classes at 5 p.m., Archer ensures that children are home from school and can actively participate in the cooking process. The shared experience of preparing meals together fosters a sense of accomplishment and strengthens family bonds.

Building Confidence and Practical Skills:

Archer emphasizes that the beauty of Get Cooking lies in the fact that families are not merely observing a cooking demonstration in a multipurpose room. Instead, they are gaining the confidence to utilize their own kitchens. Many participants have never used an oven or frying pan before, making this hands-on experience truly transformative. Beyond teaching the importance of nutritious foods, Archer also imparts valuable skills on how to shop for ingredients on a limited budget. Through direct interaction with the ingredients and witnessing their transformation into a delicious meal, families develop trust in their ability to create nutritious dishes for $20 or less.

Conclusion:

Get Cooking, led by the indomitable Stacie Archer, is revolutionizing the way low-income families approach cooking and meal planning. By providing them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prepare healthy meals on a budget, Archer is empowering families to prioritize their well-being and break free from the cycle of unhealthy eating. Through interactive virtual cooking classes and the distribution of meal kits, Get Cooking ensures that families have the necessary tools and resources to succeed. By instilling a sense of pride and self-sufficiency, Archer’s organization is equipping families with the skills they need to make lasting changes in their lives. As they continue to share the recipes and skills learned, these families are becoming ambassadors for healthy, affordable cooking within their communities.


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