Several local organizations and churches will collaborate, during February and March, to present “A Taste of African Heritage,” an innovative cooking series targeted to the African-American community.
Based on the African Heritage Diet Pyramid from Oldways, 6 weekly sessions will highlight the flavors, health benefits and culturally-influenced evolutions of foods often associated with the African diaspora: greens, grains, beans, nuts, fruits and spices.
A Taste of African Heritage has been presented nationwide in many locations since 2011. Its debut in Roanoke will be presented by chef and registered nurse Laura Pole; Master Food Volunteers, AlMena Hughes and Tracey Giordano, Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent; Deb Chappel and several guest speakers.
New Horizons Health Care is donating use of its facilities for the classes. NAACP and SCLC member Tom Cain is assisting with planning and coordination.
Following a train-the-trainer model, it is hoped representatives from local churches and health-oriented organizations will participate, with the intention of sharing the information learned with their respective communities. This will enable the program to reach a larger audience and hopefully be offered on an ongoing basis.
Applications for a limited number of openings are being accepted through February 17. Applicants should have access to a broader audience and commit to attending all 6 sessions, meeting Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at New Horizons Healthcare, 3716 Melrose Ave., NW. A fee of $15 will cover all materials. For more information or to register, contact Deb Chappell, Virginia Cooperative Extension (540)772-7524.
Based on a curriculum created by Oldways, the sessions, include historical and nutritional discussions, cooking lessons and time to eat together and reflect. According to the curriculum, classes are less focused on recipes and more focused on the how-to and the big picture of eating well and eating traditionally.
“The cooking skills will not be complicated,” Pole said. “We want this to be something anyone can do, so that people can enjoy real food, nutritious food right at home.”
The Roanoke Tribune plans to publish snippets of information and/or recipes from each weekly session.
“Diabetes, obesity and heart disease are not part of African-American heritage,” said Oldways president Sara Baer-Sinnott. “A Taste of African Heritage cooking program addresses these issues and is a springboard to the wonderful old ways of eating and living, creating new healthy traditions by introducing participants to the cultural and culinary roots of their ancestors.”
The program is funded through a grant from the Walmart Foundation.
Oldways (is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization.
Virginia Cooperative Extension provides practical, trustworthy education to help people solve problems, develop skills and build better futures.
