Case Cooks: Community

Catalog description

According to 2022 data from Feeding America, at least 44 million people experience hunger and/or food insecurity, including 1 in 5 children. In addition, in 2023, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) at the U.S. Department of Education released for the first time a major federal report confirming that students in higher education are struggling to meet their basic needs and are experiencing food insecurity. The data confirm that more than 4 million students in higher education are experiencing food insecurity, and 2.3 million more students have marginal food security. This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to hunger and food insecurity, community resources, basic nutrition principles and culinary skills. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on cooking experiences, students will learn basic culinary techniques, meal planning, and food preparation strategies to create healthy, budget-friendly meals. Students will learn about community resources and interventions aimed at addressing food insecurity including the importance of nutrition and cooking skills in promoting food security and overall well-being. Students will have the opportunity to utilize their nutrition knowledge and culinary skills while preparing a congregate meal at a local community organization. In addition, students will visit the CWRU food pantry and become familiar with the resources available to the CWRU community. Note: Please email instructor before registering if you have food allergies or sensitivities. Also, remind instructor prior to each class. It is YOUR responsibility to be vigilant and be aware of recipes and preparations to avoid. Counts as a Half-Semester Wellness/Non-movement course.