The Women’s Club of Raleigh, as part of their Community Service Program, is working with Mount Vernon Middle School, to assess what’s needed to help meet the goals of the school community. One of those goals focuses on nutrition and keeping the students and their families healthy. As a means to reach that goal, the Women’s Club reached out to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and invited the Community Health Education program to be a part of a Parent Engagement Night at Mount Vernon on October 19.
“The goal of the Wake County Public School System is to ensure that all students are holistically well, academically, socio-emotionally, and are prepared to reach their post-secondary goals.” says Teresa Brown, Counselor at Mount Vernon. “By partnering with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, we are able to provide our families and students with resources and nutrition education that promotes healthy living and eating habits.”
Susan Tenney, Carol Lundquist, May Cespedes, Elizabeth Woolard, and Teresa Brown
A beef taco cooking demonstration was presented for the families, utilizing the Food Shuttle’s Charlie Cart which offers unlimited freedom for cooking and nutrition instruction. The Charlie Cart is a small, self-contained, kitchen on wheels equipped with power, storage, and a sink, as well as all the tools and appliances needed for healthy cooking. The demonstration focused on preparing a flavorful meal, while utilizing healthy ingredients and keeping to a limited budget.
Kayla Curtis and Grace Cox
The night also featured a nutrition lesson, passing along healthy dietary habits for students and their parents. The lesson was presented by dietetic interns from Meredith College. All instruction was provided in both Spanish and English, ensuring understanding for all gathered. Food Lion gifts cards were given out as additional attendance incentives.
"Engaging parents and children in how to cook quick and easy meals at home, enhance favorite recipes to include more produce, and make meal time family time is an exciting part of the work that we do in the Community Health Education department,” shares Kylee McCombs, Director of Community Health and Nutrition at the Food Shuttle. “We are excited to be able to partner with the Mount Vernon Middle School and offer tools and resources the parents need to serve exciting and yummy meals loaded with produce!"