Family Meals Made Easy with Food For Lane County
Presented in partnership with Food For Lane County, Family Meals Made Easy is an interactive nutrition education and cooking series designed to help families prepare affordable, nutritious, and enjoyable meals together. Through hands-on cooking activities, shared meals, and practical nutrition education, participants will build confidence in the kitchen and explore strategies for making meal time easier. Each class, participants can expect the following:
- Participants will prepare and enjoy a meal together through hands-on cooking activities.
- Participants will receive:
- A copy of the recipe and relevant nutrition education handouts.
- Key ingredients needed to recreate the recipe at home.
- Practical tips and strategies for preparing affordable, nutritious family meals.
- Information about community food resources they may be eligible for through the Health-Related Social Needs (HSRN) program, including additional funds for fruits and vegetables and free one-on-one nutrition education.
Scroll to explore topics, learn more and register!
Upcoming Events
| Date | Time | Topic | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, March 11 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Nutrition for Picky Eaters | *$65-$85 | REGISTER NOV. 3 |
| Tuesday, April 13 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Quick & Nourishing Weeknight Dinners | *$65-$85 | REGISTER MARCH 2 |
| Thursday, May 13 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Health on a Budget | *$65-$85 | REGISTER MARCH 2 |
Important Program Notes
- This class is designed for parents, caregivers and kiddos! Youth ages 6 and older are welcome to join the hands-on cooking activities alongside a parent, caregiver or responsible adult. Youth must remain with their accompanying adult throughout the class. Youth ages 11 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times while in the YMCA facility. All cooking activities will be adapted to participants’ ages and abilities.
- Allergen information, minimum age requirements, and additional information on safety and equipment can be found at the bottom of the webpage.
- *Cost: We want this program to be accessible to everyone! If program fees are a barrier to registration, please contact Kendall McCauley to request financial assistance.
Click the accordion bubbles below to learn more about each topic. Allergen information, minimum age requirements, and additional information on safety and equipment can be found at the bottom of the webpage.
Winter 2027 | Nutrition for Picky Eaters
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Additional Program Information
Allergen Information
Participants are encouraged to communicate food allergies and dietary restrictions before the class so accommodations can be made. Recipes and ingredients will be selected with these needs in mind. Ingredient substitutions and other accommodations that have not been communicated before the class will depend on the recipe, available ingredients, and food safety considerations.
Experience Level
All sessions are beginner-friendly and designed for families of all cooking skill levels. No prior cooking experience or nutrition knowledge is required. Participants will cook together with guidance from instructors, making the sessions an opportunity to learn new skills, practice familiar techniques, and build confidence preparing meals at home.
Safety and Equipment
Participants will have the opportunity to use common kitchen equipment, including knives, stovetops, and ovens, with guidance and supervision from the instructors. Equipment will vary based on the featured recipe or class topic. Parents and caregivers are responsible for supervising their children throughout the class, particularly around hot surfaces, sharp tools, and other kitchen equipment.
Minimum Age Requirement
This class is designed for parents and caregivers. Children ages 6 and older are welcome to participate in the hands-on cooking activities alongside their parent or caregiver. Children must remain with their parent or caregiver throughout the class, and all cooking activities will be adapted to their age and abilities.
