Community Health Education
We create opportunities for people of all ages to learn about nutrition, cooking and food resource management.
We believe in putting people at the center of learning. We celebrate the impact that food has on our bodies, our families, and our communities.
About
Foodlink is a trusted resource for community health education. All workshops and educational opportunities are designed to be accessible, engaging, and useful for participants. Programming can be conducted virtually, or at community sites across the region. See criteria below for hosting a workshop or class.
Cooking Together Teens & Adults/Families
Our hands-on cooking class series are in-person, hosted at your organization or home-based/virtual sessions that support groups of individuals and/or families in their development of cooking skills and exploration of food. These classes increase participants’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to food, nutrition, and food resource management. They can be a four part series.
Edible Education Kits
Foodlink’s Edible Education Kits increase kids’ curiosity about food, nutrition, and the natural world! Kits provide indirect education to elementary and middle school students facilitated by teachers/staff for school-based and/or after-school programming. A series of six kits and lesson plans are delivered to schools and youth programs weekly.
Workshops
Foodlink’s Workshops are demonstration style classes. They increase knowledge and skills around nutrition and nutritious seasonal produce using simple, affordable recipes. They can include cooking demonstrations, a simple nutrition lesson, or both. Workshops can be one-off or long term series. These classed are also provided to the public on Thursday at the Rochester Public Market!
Peer-to-Peer/Ambassador Programming
Peer-to-Peer/Ambassador Programming provides opportunities for Foodlink Ambassadors and peer leaders to lead and facilitate classes in their community.
Nutrition Education at the Public Market and Foodlink Community Farm
Our nutrition educators offer free nutrition lessons and recipe demonstrations at the Rochester Public Market and the Foodlink Community Farm.
At the Public Market, demonstrations take place every Thursday at 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. in the cooking demo kitchen in the middle of Shed B.
At Foodlink’s Edible Education Center (585 Lexington Ave.), demonstrations take place on Tuesdays from 2:00–3:00 p.m., Fridays from 10:30 a.m.–noon, and the first Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m.–noon.
Each 20- minute interactive session features a simple, budget‑friendly recipe using seasonal fruits and vegetables, along with samples, tips, and tools to build confidence in the kitchen—no registration required.
Impact
- Nutritional Learning and Healthy Eating: Participants have gained practical knowledge about preparing healthy meals, especially salads and vegetables. Learning how to combine ingredients in interesting ways has made healthy eating more enjoyable for the participants. The workshops have exposed participants to new meals and ingredients.
- Connection and Interaction in Learning Spaces: Participants value the opportunity to connect and interact with others while learning to cook. The shared experience of cooking together promotes engagement and a sense of community at Lifespan.
- Cooking Workshops: have created a strong sense of community, taught valuable culinary skills, promoted healthy eating habits, and offered a safe space for connection and learning. The combination of effective teaching, nutritional awareness, and positive interactions has had a multifaceted impact on participants’ lives. As these workshops continue, participants look forward to maintaining the existing format while also incorporating suggestions to enhance their experience further.
“Great kid friendly recipes. Staff was super helpful and the program was easy...no fuss.”
“This class helped me make better choices by looking at the nutrition facts label.”
“My favorite part of class was learning how to help cook. I’m going to help my mom cook now.”
"What are participants saying..."
Partner with us
Foodlink’s Community Health Programs department is comprised of several programs and initiatives, including the Curbside Market, Community Health Education, Benefits Navigation, and FoodRx. If you’d like to host an event, support community members, or share information about Foodlink’s programs, click the button below to be directed to our comprehensive form. This form can be used to request nutrition education demonstrations, workshops, and outreach opportunities.