Cooking & Nutrition Classes

Cooperative Extension offers several different free cooking and nutrition workshops for families, youth, and seniors who have limited incomes and live in Jefferson County. These free workshops are held at different places throughout Jefferson County. We provide all materials that you will use, including the food that you will cook and eat during the class. Some workshops also provide free childcare and transportation (if needed). For new moms, we also offer breastfeeding classes and support.

Each class participant receives a free computer food intake analysis, which helps your nutrition educator customize the class sessions to meet your specific needs. Classes are taught in English to groups at various community sites or individual homes. Our Nutrition Educators continually strive to help you recognize the value of good food and nutrition and make food safety habit forming!

What classes can I take?

Call our office to find out what classes are coming up that might be the best and most convenient for you! You may also complete and return this Referral Form  and we will contact you about upcoming opportunities.

What will I learn?

In our cooking and nutrition workshops, you will learn about:

• Feeding your family healthy meals
• Cooking low cost meals
• Smart food shopping
• Food safety
• How to read and understand a food label
• Food resources or services in our community that can help your family to get enough healthy and nutritious food

How long are the workshops, and when are they offered?

Workshops are usually two hours long and meet six to eight times. We ask you to plan to attend at least six of the classes so you will learn as much as possible and can receive a "certificate of completion." Please call one of our nutrition educators to find out if you are eligible for our free classes and to find a time and location that is convenient for you. In some cases, we may be able to come to your home and work with you individually.

Groups, families, and individuals looking for information on stretching food dollars, cooking low cost nutritious meals, food safety, reading food labels, and general nutrition guidelines for better health can call us at 315-788-8450.

Last updated October 2, 2017