UNITED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF EMMET COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM
The United Christian Church of Emmet, 407 West 4th Street, hosted a Community Dinner in the Fellowship Hall to introduce the Community Outreach Program for the 2019-2020 program year. Participants enjoyed a delicious meal and generated ideas for program activities, topics of interest and suggested speakers for various program options. Commodities and Food Pantry distribution will continue on a monthly basis.A new addition to the program, “Cooking Matters” was also introduced to the group.
During the month of September, brunch was served each Tuesday at 11:00am followed by a presentation/activity hour where guest speakers shared their expertise in various areas to the group. Participants assembled raised planter beds and was instructed by Master Gardener Brown on selecting a location with access to sunlight and water, preparing the soil, selecting plants appropriate for the season and caring for them in order to receive a bountiful harvest. We appreciate having him share his knowledge and expertise with the group. Participants also engaged in other games, arts and craft activities.
Beginning October 1st and at the request of participants, we resumed serving breakfast at 9am each Tuesday. A full hot cooked breakfast is available to area citizens. For those who want something on the lighter side, a continental self-servebreakfast bar is available.
The first Cooking Matters class began with 11 adult participants. It is important to note that Arkansas is consistently one of the most food insecure states in the nation, with 1 out of every 5 adults and seniors, and 1 out of every 4 children are unsure of where they will get the next meal. Cooking Matters provideshands-on nutrition education that empowers families with skills, knowledge and confidence to prepare healthy, affordable meals.UCC is committed to hosting a Fall class that is already insession and will culminate December 2019. A Spring class will be offered in the evenings, 5:30 to 7:30 PM beginning March2020. This allows working families the opportunity to participate in cooking delicious recipes that will stretch a limited budget. If you are interested in joining the Spring class or other program options, please contact JoAnn Muldrew at jmuldrew71@gmail.com or 817-300-9114. Cooking Matters curriculum is sponsored nationally by Walmart and is offered in Arkansas through the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance’s No Kid Hungry campaign.
Volunteers who work cooking and/or serving food will be able to participate in ServSafe training for Food Handlers, conducted by UA County Extension Service on October 22, 2019. Training will be held in the UCC Fellowship Hall.
