Cooking Matters is a nutrition program where participants will learn how to eat healthy, cook and grocery shop on a limited budget. This program is offered in the community for adults, families, and childcare providers, and in schools for teens.

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Learn how to buy, cook, and eat healthy food

Michigan State University is an implementing Cooking Matters partner with a statewide footprint. 

Cooking Matters hands-on courses serve limited resource families and offer six week long cooking courses to  parents, families, adults, and child care providers. Each course is team-taught by a culinary and nutrition educator. Participants learn how to plan and budget for healthy, affordable, and delicious meals. Adult participants take home a bag of groceries at the end of each class. Adult courses are available in English and Spanish.

Class series are taught throughout the community, including but not limited to community centers, churches, health sites, schools and local MSU Extension offices. Group series are available if there are 10 to 15 people, and at least half of the group is income eligible. 

We offer the following programs:

  • Cooking Matters for Parents teaches parents with young children how to prepare and shop sensibly for healthy meals on a budget. 
  • Cooking Matters for Families engages adults and school-aged youth together to learn about healthy eating, planning meals as a family, and working together in the kitchen. 
  • Cooking Matters for Adults teaches adults how to prepare and shop sensibly for healthy meals on a budget. 
  • Cooking Matters for Child Care Providers equips child care professionals with necessary skills to select safe, healthy meals on a budget for young children. 
  • Cooking Matters at the Store provides participants with hands-on education as they shop for food, giving them skills to compare foods for cost and nutrition. 

If you are interested in the Cooking Matters program please contact us at cookingm@msu.edu.

Donate now to support the Cooking Matters program.

Find an Upcoming Program Near you

  • Jan 15

    Cooking Matters - Jan. 15 - Feb. 19

    January 15, 2020 - February 19, 2020 Sparrow Demonstration Kitchen 1215 E Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912

    Cooking Matters for Adults is a nutrition program where participants will learn how to eat healthy, cook and grocery shop on a limited budget.

  • Jan 23

    Cooking Matters for Families Ingham County

    January 23, 2020 - February 27, 2020 Demonstration Kitchen at Sparrow Hospital 1215 E Michigan Ave. Lansing MI, 48912

    This free six week course is team-taught by a volunteer chef and nutrition educator. Topics include meal preparation, menu planning, nutrition and physical activity.

  • Feb 11

    Cooking Matters for Adults - Alcona

    February 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020 Alcona Health Center, 177 N Barlow Rd, Lincoln, MI 48742

    Through a six week program, Cooking Matters empowers families with the skills to stretch their food budget dollars and cook healthy meals.

  • Feb 18

    Cooking Matters with Teen Parents

    February 18, 2020 3:00PM - 4:00PM Traverse City High School, 3962 N Three Mile Rd, Traverse City, MI

    Healthy, Affordable, Delicious. Cooking Matters helps families to shop for and cook healthy meals on a budget.

  • Mar 19

    Cooking Matters for Families March 19

    March 19, 2020 - April 23, 2020 Demonstration Kitchen at Sparrow Hospital 1215 E Michigan Ave. Lansing MI, 48912

    This free six week course is team-taught by a volunteer chef and nutrition educator. Topics include meal preparation, menu planning, nutrition and physical activity.

Not seeing an upcoming class in your area? Contact us at your county MSU Extension office for more information about this program in your area.

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