Leah’s Pantry is committed to improving the lives and potential of people living in economically disadvantaged communities In California. Our cooking and nutrition workshops and events empower homeless and low-income children, adults, and seniors to make positive changes to their health and nutrition, as well as the overall health of their communities through
a. culturally competent cooking and nutrition programming for all ages
b. support of and participation in community-driven, food-centered activities and events
c. ongoing follow-up support of individual, family and community pursuits of healthy lifestyles
Healthy eating is en vogue; local, organic, whole foods - these concepts are all over our media. But to many low income individuals and families, these ideals seem out of reach. They are too expensive and time consuming for those who must focus on finding stable housing and steady jobs. We don't believe that healthy eating is reserved for the rich, but we certainly understand why that perception exists our society. Leah's Pantry shows people of all backgrounds how to set and achieve realistic and attainable goals relating to their diet and nutrition.
Diet affects sleep, work, concentration, and achievement. Families and individuals who battle homelessness and poverty struggle to purchase, prepare, and feed themselves and their families. They also lack the time to strategize or reflect about their food choices. Leah’s Pantry workshops provides that time. We ask that participants analyze their food choices, decide how they’d like to change them, and then participate in exercises, demonstrations and discussions that empower them to make those changes. Combined with simple recipes, taste tests, and plenty of food to bring home, we’ve created a program that works.
Once the workshops are done, we continue building our relationship with the community. We facilitate community events like potlucks, community meal deliveries in times of sickness or new babies, and even provide follow up support through site visits and our online forum.