Food insecurity continues to be a challenge, especially for children in Orange County where nearly 7,000 kids are on free or reduced meals and therefore can be considered food insecure.
Luckily, we are fortunate to live in a community where families have access to additional food support through several organizations including TABLE – we are currently feeding 1,000 kids each week and have designed our programs to provide kids with access specifically to fresh, healthy food through at-home deliveries. But, giving children the nutritious food their bodies need to grow only addresses one of the issues associated with food insecurity.
That’s why every month, TABLE children also receive a nutrition education meal kit – Chefs@Home – delivered directly to their homes. These meal kits not only provide essential nutrition but also empower children with the knowledge and skills to make healthy food choices for a lifetime.
Addressing Food Insecurity with Nutrition Education
While we are making strides to reduce food insecurity in our local community, according to the USDA, food insecurity affects millions of children in the United States. Hunger relief nonprofits like TABLE play a crucial role in addressing this issue by providing food-insecure children with access to healthy, fresh food. However, simply providing food is not enough. TABLE inherently believes that nutrition education is key to empowering children and their families to make healthier choices and break the cycle of poor nutrition.
By delivering nutrition education meal kits directly to children’s homes, we provide not only the ingredients for a healthy meal but also the tools to understand why these foods are important. Our Chefs@Home kits often include fresh food from local farms, yummy and fun recipes, kid-friendly cooking tips, and easy-to-understand information about the nutritional value of the ingredients. By cooking together in the kitchen, children and families can learn about food preparation and healthy eating habits, all while enjoying time together!
A parent recently told us...
“My children and I love to discover new recipes using the Chefs@Home food kits. They help us to eat healthier and to learn new ways of cooking in the kitchen.”
Another family shared…
“Chefs@Home has created our new family time all working together. We did not value that before but now once a week we take the time to cook the meal and spend time together doing it.”
Empowering Children for a Healthier Future
Nutrition education meal kits not only provide additional food for the kids we serve each week, but for TABLE, they also allow us to provide children with a fun way to try additional fruits and vegetables they may not otherwise be exposed to which will ultimately improve their overall health. And, by teaching children about nutrition and cooking at a young age, we are equipping them with valuable skills that will last a lifetime. These skills can help children make healthier choices, develop a positive relationship with food, and prevent diet-related health issues in the future.
Studies have actually shown that children who eat nutritious meals are more likely to concentrate better in school, have higher attendance rates, and exhibit fewer behavioral problems. TABLE ensures children have access to healthy food and the knowledge to make healthy food choices, and therefore we are investing in their future success.
According to an annual survey of the families TABLE serves, 51% of families say their children’s physical, emotional, and mental health has improved since receiving food from TABLE.
Food Access And Nutrition Education – A Winning Combination for Tomorrow
TABLE was founded to feed local children but we have learned over the years that by combining access to healthy, fresh food with nutrition education, we are providing children with benefits that go well beyond just their health and well-being. When children have access to nutritious food and the knowledge to make healthy choices, we are building a stronger, healthier community for the future.
We encourage everyone to check out our Chefs@Home meal kits and dedicate a night each month to cook with your family… and share with your friends! You may be surprised at what new fun food facts you learn while also adding to your recipe collection.
And, stay tuned for our announcement this fall at Empty Bowls, where we’ll be previewing these new Chefs@Home kits… and you, our community, will have a chance to participate by purchasing your own meal kit!
Together, we can ensure that all children have access to the nutrition and education they need to thrive to create a future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, starting with a nourishing meal and the knowledge to make it themselves.
Suzanne Tormollen
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