Recipe Remix with Second Harvest Food Bank at Watsonville Library. (Provided)
Does it seem impossible to turn a child who hates blueberries into one who not only loves them, but is happy to use them in recipes? Second Harvest Food Bank and the Watsonville Public Library recently teamed up to create this miracle and more.
Recipe Remix is a series of four Monday afternoon events at the library, two in June and two in July (the final one on July 15). Facilitated by Second Harvest staff, the 90-minute programs include nutrition education for kids and a “cooking cart demo,” during which attendees (who may include parents or other family members) get to sample the finished products. The series has been popular since its inception, with 16 kids attending the inaugural event.
“The cooking cart demos are effective because they keep the younger generation engaged,” says Vanessa Arismendi, Second Harvest’s director of health and nutrition. “They’re 90 minutes long and include a short lesson and recipe.” Arismendi oversees the nutrition team, which includes nutrition education manager Delia Bernal and nutrition education coordinator Lizette Sánchez-Noll, who conduct cooking demos, cooking clubs and nutrition classes in the neighborhoods and at Second Harvest distribution sites.
Sanchez Noll taught the first Recipe Remix session, and most of the participants loved the yogurt parfait recipe. “The kids were so excited,” she said. “Some people don’t realize that you can help kids learn so much by getting them in the kitchen. Our recipe uses fresh fruits and vegetables, and kids love eating something they helped make, which promotes healthy eating.”
For example, Sanchez-Noll has observed time and time again that kids come into her classroom and say they don’t like blueberries. “When I teach them about the health benefits of blueberries and help them make fun, creative recipes, they not only start eating them, but they actually enjoy them,” she says. “I love when this happens!”
The session begins with Sánchez-Nol or Bernal providing nutrition education for about 20 minutes, covering topics such as “What are whole grains” and “The importance of colorful plates.” Then, for the next 45 minutes, the instructor and group create hands-on recipes that reinforce what was taught during the nutrition education portion of the demo. “For example, if we (Delia or I) teach a lesson on whole grains, we will also include recipes on how to incorporate healthy whole grain options into our diets,” she explains.
In addition to teaching, Sanchez Noll also helps design and develop the nutrition curriculum. “I find my role very rewarding,” she says. “Not only do I play a key role in improving the health and wellbeing of the community, but I also get to connect with individuals on a personal level. They tell me their family stories and the challenges and factors that influence them to reach optimal health. This is key to providing the best possible service to the community.”
Sánchez-Noll says a successful nutrition program doesn’t just focus on nutrition education, “Instead, it combines it with cooking classes that align with our mission to promote healthy eating habits, foster creativity and enhance life skills. I believe this is why Second Harvest’s nutrition program is so successful.”
Delia Bernal led the second recipe remix session with a smoothie recipe using bananas, strawberries and blueberries. “The kids had a lot of fun cutting the ingredients and putting them in the blender, and tasting the finished product was one of their favorite parts,” Bernal said. The session also included an activity where participants looked at pictures of fruits and vegetables and determined specific health benefits based on their color.
What are the roots of Recipe Remix? The library, which received a grant and recently purchased a cart to host cooking demonstrations, contacted Second Harvest to see if they had staff available to offer cooking demonstrations that included a nutrition education component. “We thought this would be a great opportunity to teach kids over the summer,” Arismendi says. “The recipes are easy to recreate on your own.”
Nutrition is especially important during the summer when children are out of school and don’t have access to free or reduced-cost meal programs. Some organizations (like libraries and Second Harvest) focus on providing options for students and families. Bernal has enjoyed being involved with Recipe Remix and looks forward to future partnerships. “Joining forces is a great way to support each other’s organizations and support our community.”
Bernal is a passionate advocate for nutrition education. “As a mother and grandmother, I believe that spaces where families can come together and prepare meals are essential to nurturing family,” she says. “Cooking demonstrations provide a wonderful opportunity for the community to experience different approaches to preparing foods that are familiar to them. Part of our mission is to encourage community cooking at home and foster creativity.”
Cooking cart demos like Recipe Remix are “one-off” and the food bank may or may not see participants again. Second Harvest also offers nutrition education throughout the year, including a “cooking club” that requires participants to make a six-month commitment. “There’s a sequence to the lessons and recipes, and they come together and build on each other to create a holistic experience,” Arismendi says.
In recent years, the nonprofit has begun surveying clients annually about its services, asking them what foods they expect to be provided during distributions. “This has allowed us to make more data-driven decisions about food purchasing and recipes,” says José Barajas, Second Harvest’s chief program officer. “We found that more people wanted to learn how to cook and make healthier food choices, so we created cooking clubs to fill that gap. Families can join these clubs and learn how to make delicious, healthy recipes. At the end of the class, they can take home a box full of ingredients to practice at home.”
After every club, participants are surveyed. “We know we’re making an impact when the recipes we share are well-received and participants report in the post-club survey that they would like to cook the recipe at home,” says Arismendi. “On average, 90 percent say they would like to cook it at home.” Arismendi takes great pride in the work he and his team have accomplished. “Not only are we helping to feed food-insecure communities, but we’re also giving them the tools they need to succeed and try new dishes with new ingredients.”
The final Recipe Remix session will be held on July 15th from 1:30-3pm at the Watsonville Library, 275 Main St. All ages are welcome to attend.
Second Harvest Food Bank will host its first party in the parking lot on Aug. 3, with food trucks and a performance by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. For more information, visit thefoodbank.org/partyintheparkinglot.
