Explore our at-home, on-demand cooking and nutrition programs today!
Cooking For Life
Common Threads is a national nonprofit that provides children and families cooking and nutrition education to encourage healthy habits that contribute to wellness. We equip under-resourced communities with information to make affordable, nutritious and appealing food choices wherever they live, work, learn, and play. We know that food is rooted in culture and tradition so we promote diversity in our lessons and recipes, encouraging our participants to celebrate the world around them.
Our WORK
Common Threads is a passionate team of problem solvers and learners driven by the desire to help build healthy, self-sustaining communities. Our approach is earnest, but not always conventional. We are intentional, but also entrepreneurial. Our work is experiential, with a desire for our lessons to complement and enhance learning. We are proud of our work, and humbled to be a part of communities across the country. Check out our latest public service announcement, and watch first hand the impact our work has in the communities we provide in.
OUR PROGRAMS
At Common Threads, we are picking up our pots and pans to stir up some excitement for fun, healthy, easy cooking: In the schools, communities and kitchens across America.
Small Bites
This in- or after-school program teaches PK-8th grade students about nutrition and healthy cooking through a series of eight lessons combining nutrition and knife-free cooking.
COOKING CLASSES
Offered virtually and in-person (with COVID protocols), Common Threads cooking classes bring students and parents together in the kitchen, featuring flavors from around the world.
On-Demand
This is a free, self-paced, virtual course for 3rd-5th grade students. Students will navigate through 9 interactive lessons exploring nutrition videos, snack making and more!
Parent Workshop
Students reached in 2020-2021
Adults reached in 2020-2021
Snacks & Meals served in 2020-2021
Partners in 2020-2021
What’s New
Be Mindful About Food Safety While Cooking
Although the food supply in the United States is one of the safest, bacteria or pathogens may still contaminate some foods we eat, making us ill with foodborne disease, also known as “food poisoning”. Currently, there are around 48 million cases of foodborne illness each year – the equivalent of sickening 1 in 6 Americans, making it essential to be mindful about food safety while cooking.
How to understand the % Daily Value on the Nutrition Labels
The Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and drinks has been updated to make it easier for you to make informed choices. The Daily Values for many nutrients have been updated based on new nutrition research. So, the % Daily Value, or %DV, may be different on some of your favorite foods and beverages.
New Years Food Traditions and Symbolism: Bring in your New Year with Common Threads
Happy New Year! Each year, people all over the world participate in different New Year’s food traditions that are believed to bring them good luck in the coming year. Join us as we dive into some of these traditions!
Upcoming Events
All events are posted in Central Time (CST)
There are no listed events at this time.
TEACH
Digital Educational Portal
T.E.A.C.H. (Teaching Everyone About Cooking & Health) is an online portal designed to equip anyone and everyone with the skill sets to become a nutrition and wellness ambassador for your children, students and community. Learn more about our Small Bites healthy snack trainings, free webinar recordings and downloadable curriculum available today.
Recipes of the Month
January Highlights
Our Supporters
Empowering Our Community
The communities in which we work have faced unprecedented food insecurity and hunger as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Common Threads’ efforts to provide hands-on cooking and nutrition education programming.
