On Monday, November 15th, 2021, Northeast Opportunities for Wellness (NOW) partnered with Chef Ian of Grill 37 to host a Free Family Dinner & Healthy Cooking Exposition powered by the Putnam Area Foundation. The evening began with a complimentary family dinner followed by a cooking demonstration and question and answer segment for parents with Chef Ian. While parents were learning how to utilize an entire chicken for multiple different meals, children ages 2 – 14 worked with the NOW staff and volunteers building baked stuffed apples and veggie pizzas. This event was limited to 12 families of any size, totaling over 40 people.
Following the family dinner, a drawing took place for one lucky family to win the event door prize of a brand-new Crockpot. All of the families left the demonstration with a $25 gift card to purchase the ingredients needed to replicate the yummy and healthy family-friendly dinners that Chef Ian demonstrated. Families were also given a healthy recipe packet and educational materials regarding childhood nutrition, health, and wellness.
NOW Executive Director, Tayler Shea, commented, “I am beyond grateful for Chef Ian of Grill 37 for donating his time and knowledge while welcoming all of the families into his restaurant and the Putnam Area Foundation for funding this event and making it possible.” Shea continued, “Children and families were given a unique opportunity at this clinic to form bonds with other families over a delicious dinner, learn new healthy cooking habits, and they were able to head home with the resources needed to begin implementing those healthy habits.”
NOW is a non-profit human services organization focused on youth wellness. NOW provides children with the opportunity to participate in area wellness activities and athletics programs, offering scholarships to the youth of the community with up to 95% of the cost being subsidized by NOW. The mission of the organization is to provide ALL children, regardless of financial resources, equal opportunities to achieve & maintain youth wellness, beginning at an early age.
Photos from the NOW & Grill 37 Healthy Cooking Clinic were captured and provided by Valentine Iamartino, NOW Board Member.
For more information on future events and programs offered by NOW, visit www.NOWinMotion.org.