New mothers in Thunder Bay, Ont., find comfort, cooking tips through community kitchen program
CBC
A food program in Thunder Bay, Ont., that teaches young families to cook healthy meals on a budget is seeing more participants.
Our Kids Count, a grassroots community development organization, runs community kitchen programs at different locations across the city.
During the pre/postnatal community kitchen program, parents make meals they can take home to their families while their babies socialize in the adjacent room.
"We're definitely noticing an increase. I think everyone is really aware of how much a dollar needs to stretch," said Our Kids Count's executive director, Jackie Knough.
"We're really being conscious of that and really looking for recipes that are healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables, but yet being able to look at those costs and budget accordingly."
The cost to feed a family of four in the Thunder Bay District Health Unit catchment area was about $1,200 a month in 2023, up 15 per cent from the previous year.
Almost all programs offered by Our Kids Count include food, said Knough. The organization has been serving the community for nearly 30 years.
"It's all about creating a community where people can come and learn, but they can also socialize and take home some really great recipes to be able to cook for their own families."
Sherry Blasizzo, early learning co-ordinator at the Westfort location, said it can be hard for new mothers to find the energy to make dinner every night.
She talks a lot about meal prep and planning to help people make the most of their time and money, she explained.
"Lack of sleep and lack of being able to make those meals at home sometimes from being in their postpartum journey … it is important to reach for healthier choices, right?
"This kitchen allows them to have at least one nutritious meal per week," Blasizzo said.
Another important aspect of their health and well-being is their ability to connect with each other, she added.
"Sometimes it's just a weekly check-in. Moms collaborate in different conversations or struggles they may be having in their postpartum journey or prenatal journey as well," Blasizzo said.