The Northern Kentucky Area Development (NKADD) Aging and Disability Division, in collaboration with the University of Kentucky Extension Offices from Carroll, Gallatin, and Pendleton counties, has created “Cooking With A Purpose.” The pilot program is designed for participants in the Senior Food Commodities program and low-income seniors and is funded by an American Rescue Plan Act grant. Each county will have four different sessions. 

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The session topics include an introduction to basic cooking skills, identifying local food-related resources, meal planning and budget shopping, recap sessions, and cooking together.

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To encourage attendance, participants will receive kitchen items that will aid them in meal preparation after each session. The program will have a new cohort each quarter of the year with a goal of serving over 475 participants during the year.

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The first session took place at the Pendleton County Senior Center. Hosted by Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Science Kenna Knight, participants in the session learned knife skills and food storage best practices, including understanding shelf life, gained a better understanding of basic ingredients and equipment, and even helped prepare a meal to share during the two-hour session. 

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“You are never too old to learn new things, especially when addressing overall wellness and practical lifestyle tips,” Knight said. “Good food equals good health.” 

 

Spearheaded by NKADD Aging and Disability Services Specialist Kelly Bond, the Aging and Disability team is looking to expand the program into the other five counties of Northern Kentucky. If you want to learn more about the program or participate, please contact your local senior center or Kelly Bond at kelly.bond@nkadd.org.