First they learned. Now they’re teaching.

Some classes are so enjoyable you never want them to end. That’s how a group of women in Minneapolis felt after participating in Taking Steps Together, a nutrition and healthy lifestyle program developed by Hennepin County Medical Center. One of the goals of the program was to learn about nutrition and how to prepare healthy family meals, but instead of going their separate ways when the class ended, the women decided to keep getting together. Why not meet every other week, take turns planning menus and involve the whole family?

The Keewaydin Cook Club

They didn’t know each other when the Taking Steps Together classes began, but today this group of adults and children are becoming friends based on the camaraderie of preparing and sharing healthy meals. Many of the members of the cooking club are from Mexico and enjoy familiar favorites such as chicken mole, tamales and posole. But newer options are also finding their way on the menu along with plenty of fresh produce. One of the participants said, “We like cooking together because it gives us the chance to share new recipes, try different kinds of foods and learn from each other.”

Making it better

The Keewaydin Cook Club showcases community health in action. Friends working together, exchanging ideas and helping each other, can inspire others to do the same. “I think groups like this help the community,” a participant noted, “by helping families eat healthier, which is important these days because we’re all so busy with work and school and kids and other activities. It’s not always easy to cook nutritious, well-balanced meals, but I think this kind of thing helps us maintain these better practices.”

What’s happening where you live, work, learn or play? What would you like to start? Share your ideas here.