Stacie Archer’s Non-Profit Organization Teaches Families to Shop and Cook Nutritious Meals for $20 or Less
Stacie Archer, a single mother of three, understands the challenges of providing healthy meals on a tight budget. Determined to help other families in similar situations, she founded the non-profit organization Get Cooking. Through Get Cooking, Archer educates low-income families on how to shop for affordable, nutritious food and create meals for $20 or less. This article explores Archer’s mission to promote healthy eating habits and empower families to cook nutritious meals on a budget.
The Importance of Healthy Home-Cooked Meals for Children’s Development
Archer firmly believes that healthy home-cooked dinners play a crucial role in children’s development. These meals not only contribute to their overall well-being but also enhance academic performance and foster stronger family relationships. According to a recent study by the National Institutes of Health, frequent family meals reduce the likelihood of childhood obesity by 12% and decrease the risk of unhealthy food intake and eating disorders by 20% and 35%, respectively.
Seven Plates: A Food Blog to Empower Families
In 2016, Archer launched a food blog called Seven Plates, which aimed to provide cooking tips and recipes for families on a tight budget. Each recipe was designed to serve a family of four and cost no more than $20. Through her blog, Archer aimed to dispel the misconception that healthy cooking is expensive and unappetizing, challenging families’ reliance on sodium-laden frozen meals.
Partnering with Award-Winning Chefs for Greater Impact
As Seven Plates gained traction, Archer recognized the opportunity to make an even greater impact. She partnered with award-winning chefs to co-host virtual interactive cooking classes for families living in subsidized housing in Miami and Orlando, Florida. These classes, held twice a month, provide families with meal kits containing all the necessary ingredients for the recipes. The kits, supplied by Second Harvest Food Pantry, are delivered to the families’ doorsteps a few hours before the class begins.
Empowering Families through Interactive Cooking Classes
At precisely 5 p.m., Archer kicks off the cooking class, welcoming approximately 40 families each time. Parents and children watch attentively as she guides them through the step-by-step process of preparing the meal. Archer encourages questions and ensures that everyone understands each step. By starting the class at 5 p.m., she ensures that children are home from school and can actively participate in the cooking process.
Building Confidence and Skills in the Kitchen
Archer finds it gratifying to be invited into the homes of these families as they cook together. The interactive nature of the classes allows children to assist their parents in cutting vegetables and preparing the meals. Archer emphasizes that these families are not merely watching a demonstration in a multipurpose room; they are gaining the confidence to use their own kitchens. Many participants have never used an oven or frying pan before, and these classes empower them to do so.
Teaching Budget-Friendly Shopping and Meal Planning
In addition to teaching the importance of nutritious foods, Archer educates families on how to shop for ingredients on a budget. By physically handling the ingredients and seeing their affordability, families gain confidence in their ability to shop for healthy foods for $20 or less. The goal is for families to take the recipes and skills they have learned and make wise choices when grocery shopping in the future.
Conclusion: Stacie Archer’s non-profit organization, Get Cooking, is making a significant impact on low-income families by empowering them to cook healthy meals on a budget. Through interactive cooking classes and budget-friendly shopping tips, Archer is equipping families with the skills and knowledge they need to provide nutritious meals for their children. By fostering a love for cooking and a sense of self-sufficiency in the kitchen, Get Cooking is creating a lasting impact on the lives of these families.
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