Cooking Matters

About Cooking Matters

Cooking Matters™ is a groundbreaking nutrition-education program that connects individuals and families with food by teaching them how to prepare healthy, delicious meals on a limited budget. Cooking Matters helps families maximize the benefits they receive through federal nutrition programs like SNAP (formerly food stamps) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). 

Professional chefs and nutritionists volunteer their time and expertise to lead interactive courses that show our participants how to learn to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices, and cook delicious, affordable meals.  This knowledge can mean the difference between feeding families just for one night, and making sure they never again have to worry about when their next meal will come. Cooking Matters serves families with a variety of class types that are offered either in person or virtual. These classes can be hosted in English, Spanish, and Arabic. 

Cooking Matters Classes

We offer six-week Cooking Matters courses to adults, kids, and families. Each class is taught by a Gleaners team member. 

Learn More

Events

One-time classes provide participants with education about how to prepare healthy meals on a limited budget.

Learn more

Host Cooking Matters

Interested in hosting a Cooking Matters series, class, or tour? Complete the application today!

Apply Here

Volunteer With Us

Volunteers with culinary or nutrition expertise are needed to serve as class instructors. We also welcome volunteers to help manage classes—no cooking skills required, just a passion for people and healthy eating! Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

All volunteers are required to attend a training and observe a current class session. Each volunteer commits to a one-time course or six-week series using the provided Cooking Matters curriculum. Classes are held mornings, afternoons, and evenings at the same time each week and last one to two hours per session. We offer both virtual and in-person classes at community locations throughout our five-county service area.

VOLUNTEER