A Different Approach to Fighting Hunger at a Parent Child Center in Washington, DC
Share Our Strength ("SOS"), a Washington based, hunger relief organization, has selected the Edward C. Mazique Parent Child Center of Washington, DC, as one of its launch sites for "Operation Frontline." The program brings chefs into the Center to guide parents through a comprehensive nutrition education program which includes cooking demonstrations, field trips to the local supermarket, and lessons on how to make the most of food stamps. This "hands-on" approach to nutrition education is expected to reduce hunger, as well as prevent low birth weights and infant mortality among the families of the participants.
A goal of Operation Frontline is to connect those who know about nutrition, food budgeting, and cooking with those who have a need for this information, so SOS recruits chefs, restaurateurs, and food service industry personnel. The participants who are selected for the program receive special training through SOS and then serve in teams of volunteer teachers at local nutrition clinics, maternal and child health units, and other community-based organizations.
The first class of 15 graduated in November 1993 and included a graduation meal prepared by many of the students. Certificates were presented to those who completed the program. The participants learned new recipes, how to make meals more nutritious, and how to shop more economically.
The six-week sessions, with classes held once each week for two hours, have been well received by the Center's parents. Sessions in Spanish are also offered. Because of the favorable student reaction, planning for an advanced class is underway.
For more information on Operation Frontline and SOS, call: Hadley L. Boyd, Operation Frontline Director, Share our Strength, 1511 K Street, NW, Suite 940, Washington, DC 20005. (202) 393-2925; Fax (202) 347-5868.
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