{"id":7615,"date":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/back-to-cooking-basics-with-common-threads\/"},"modified":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","slug":"back-to-cooking-basics-with-common-threads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/es\/back-to-cooking-basics-with-common-threads\/","title":{"rendered":"Back to Cooking Basics with Common Threads"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the fight against childhood obesity, we are getting back to basics. We know that simple things like eating more plant-based foods, exercise, nutritional knowledge and portion control can have a huge impact. It is generally understood that there is no single solution, rather we need to work together to address this epidemic and realize that everyone counts<\/em>\u2014 the very song that the Together Counts\u2122 program has been singing for the past 3 \u00bd years.<\/p>\n

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We agree that while there are many challenges to turning the tide on childhood obesity, one basic solution is often overlooked: teaching our children and families how to cook. For nearly 10 years I have witnessed the incredible impact these skills and experiences can have on a child. In 2003, Chef Art Smith<\/a>, artist Jesus Salgueiro<\/a> and I founded Common Threads<\/a>, a nonprofit organization that teaches low-income children how to cook wholesome, affordable meals. We have worked with more than 10,000 eight- to twelve-year-olds \u2013 teaching these students how to cook, share nutritional information to enable better choices and encourage them to practice their cooking skills at home.<\/p>\n

(see also <\/strong>The Family Table<\/strong><\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Taking to the Dinner Table<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Studies<\/a> indicate that children who have regular family dinners are more likely to do better in school and less likely<\/a> to be obese, smoke, drink and do drugs. We believe in the importance of involving the entire family in the program, and hold parent outreach sessions to demonstrate and share what their kids are learning.<\/p>\n

We are shaping a lifetime of healthy behaviors, and here is the proof:<\/p>\n