Does it seem impossible to turn kids who hate blueberries into kids who not only love them, but are willing to use them in a recipe? Second Harvest Food Bank and Watsonville Public Library recently teamed up to produce that miracle and more.
Recipe Remix is a Monday afternoon series of four events at the library—two in June and two in July (the last on July 15). Facilitated by Second Harvest staff, each 90-minute program includes nutrition education for children and “food truck demonstrations” where participants (sometimes parents or other family members) get to taste the latest products. The series was a hit from the start, with 16 children attending the first one.
“Food truck demonstrations are effective because they engage a younger audience,” says Vanessa Arizmendi, Second Harvest’s health and nutrition director. “It’s a quick lesson and a recipe in 90 minutes.” Arizmendi leads the nutrition team, which includes Nutrition Education Manager Delia Bernal and Nutrition Education Coordinator Lizzett Sanchez Nol, who host cooking demonstrations, food clubs, and nutrition classes in the community and at Second Harvest distribution locations.
Sanchez Nol was the instructor for the first Recipe Remix session, where most attendees gave her yogurt parfait recipe two thumbs up. “The kids were so excited,” she says. “Some people don’t realize that getting kids involved in the kitchen and cooking can teach them so much. We use fresh fruits and vegetables in all of our recipes. This encourages healthy eating because kids are open to eating foods they helped prepare.”
For example, Sanchez Nol has repeatedly observed children coming into her classrooms and saying they don’t like blueberries. “After we teach them about the health benefits of blueberries and help them create a fun and creative recipe, they’ll not only eat them, they’ll actually enjoy them,” she says. “I love it when things like this happen!”
Sessions begin with Sanchez Nol or Bernal spending about 20 minutes on nutrition education, covering topics like “What is a Whole Grain” or “The Importance of a Colorful Plate.” For the next 45 minutes, the instructor and group create a hands-on recipe that reinforces what was taught in the nutrition education portion of the demo. “For example, if we (Delia or I) are teaching a lesson on whole grains, we include a recipe for how to incorporate healthy whole grain options into their diet,” she explains.
In addition to teaching, Sanchez Nol is also involved in designing and creating nutrition curriculum. “I find my role very rewarding,” she says. “In addition to playing a significant role in improving the health and well-being of the community, I get to interact with individuals on a personal level. They share stories about their families and the challenges and determinants that have led them to optimal health. This is key to providing the best possible service to our community.”
A successful nutrition program isn’t limited to nutrition education, says Sanchez Nol. “Instead, it’s paired with a cooking class that aligns with a mission that encourages healthier eating habits, fosters creativity, and develops life skills. I believe that’s why the nutrition program at Second Harvest is so successful.”
Delia Bernal led the second Recipe Remix session with a smoothie recipe featuring bananas, strawberries and blueberries. “The kids loved chopping the ingredients and adding them to the blender. Tasting the result was one of their favorite parts,” Bernal says. The session also included an activity where participants had to look at pictures of fruits and vegetables and identify specific health benefits they provide based on their color.
The roots of Recipe Remix? The library, which received a grant and recently purchased a cart to do cooking demonstrations, reached out to Second Harvest to ask if they had staff to offer cooking demonstrations with a nutrition education component. “I saw this as a great opportunity to reach kids over the summer,” Arizmendi says. “The recipes are quick and easy to recreate on their own.”
During the summer months, when kids are out of school and can’t access free or discounted food programs, nutrition is especially important. Some organizations (like the library and Second Harvest) focus on providing options for students and families. Bernal enjoyed joining Recipe Remix and looks forward to future partnerships. “Joining forces is a great way to support each other’s organizations and the community.”
Bernal is a strong advocate for nutrition education. “As a mother and grandmother, I believe that any space where our families can come together and prepare a meal is critical to nourishing a family,” she says. “Cooking demonstrations provide wonderful opportunities for the community to experience different approaches to preparing foods they are familiar with. Inspiring and encouraging community members to cook at home is also part of our mission.”
Food truck demos like Recipe Remix are “one-time” events where The Food Bank may or may not see participants again. Second Harvest also provides nutrition education throughout the year, including “food clubs” that require a six-month commitment from participants. “There’s a sequence between the lessons and the recipes; together they create a whole experience that builds on each other,” Arizmendi says.
In recent years, the nonprofit began conducting annual surveys of its clients about its services, asking what kinds of foods people wanted to see in distributions. “This allowed for more data-driven decision-making around food purchasing and recipes,” says Josue Barajas, chief program officer at Second Harvest. “We learned that more people wanted to learn how to cook and make healthier food choices, so we created cooking clubs to fill the gap. Families can come to these clubs and learn how to make delicious, healthy recipes. At the end of the class, they can take home a box full of ingredients to continue practicing at home.”
Clubs are always followed up with participant surveys. “I know we’ve made an impact when the recipes we promote are well-received and our participants report that they will cook the recipe at home after the survey,” Arizmendi says. “On average, 90% say they will.” Arizmendi takes great pride in the work she and her team have accomplished. “We’re not only helping our community address food insecurity, but we’re also able to give them the tools they need to be successful in cooking and experimenting with new ingredients.”
The final session of Recipe Remix at the Watsonville Library (275 Main St.) will be held on July 15 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Open to all ages.
Second Harvest Food Bank will hold its first Party in the Parking Lot on August 3. There will be food trucks and a performance by The Joint Chiefs. For more information, go to thefoodbank.org/partyintheparkinglot.