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NEWS RELEASE: Common Threads adds Dr. Edwin McDonald to national board
Common Threads, a national nonprofit organization that provides cooking and nutrition education to children in under-resourced communities, today announced the appointment of Edwin McDonald IV M.D., assistant professor of medicine and associate clinical director of Adult Clinical Nutrition for University of Chicago Medicine, to its national board of directors.
Make Healthier Choices During National Nutrition Month® with the Updated Nutrition Facts Label
Making healthy dietary choices can help you feel your best and stay active. It can also help you lower your risk of developing some health conditions. But—even though there seems to be an endless supply of information out there about nutrition—it’s not always easy to know what foods are best for you.
Proteins: Personalize Your Plate for National Nutrition Month
This week we will explore sources of protein, including nutrition and health considerations, cooking methods, and ways to personalize your plate with proteins.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time to acknowledge the role of women in history. Women have shaped all industries and especially the culinary, nutrition and health fields. Even a month of celebration falls short of recognizing such immense contributions to the world, but Common Threads wants to commemorate some of the most impactful women in cooking. These inspiring leaders have found their passion in food, and with that, changed the world.
Common Threads team explores disability awareness with the WOW Center
As part of Common Threads’ ongoing diversity, equity & inclusion programming, the organization held a Know & Grow workshop in December focused on how to best engage with people with developmental disabilities. The session was led by Natalia Wong, executive director of the WOW Center in Miami, a nonprofit that serves over 200 adults with developmental disabilities, offering programs such as music therapy, art, and educational studies.
A Healthy Twist to Traditional Southern Dishes
We all love a good home cooked meal and the rich savory flavors from Southern cuisine. In celebration of Black History Month, we are exploring the history of some of the South’s most popular foods. Join us as we give them a healthy twist while honoring their origin and tradition.
Upcoming Events
*All events are in Central Time (CST).
In the News
Common Threads Pittsburgh provides meal kits for the holidays
(WPXL NEWS, 12/20/20)
Common Threads: The Power of Using Food for Change and Education
(KitchenChat, 7/29/19)
Common Threads, Top Box, & Mariano's Partner for COVID-19 Relief
Chicago Food Magazine, 4/13/20
Run through the Fire
– an interview with CEO Linda Novick O’Keefe (BizCastHQ, 6/7/17)
Café La Trova Team Feeds Families During Pandemic
(Miami New Times, 4/6/20)
Cooking For Life
film from TakeCare, 2019
Healthy Thanksgiving recipes with Tamron Hall
(Tamron Hall, 11/27/20)
U.S. senators should stop playing politics with America’s hungry children
(The Miami Herald, 7/23/20)
VIDEO Gallery
Yum Academy Recipe – Veggie & Fruit Two Ways
Fried Rice Recipe
Yum Academy Recipe – Strawberry Lemonade
SNAP-Ed NYC Chef
Testimonials

Firstly, I would like to thank you all for providing a virtual Summer Cooking Camp. It was not just a cooking experience, Eliza learned yoga, all about what is a fruit and what is a vegetable. They also read, had drawing lessons, and learned about healthy eating. Eilza was able to follow the lessons without falling behind. As per Eliza, her experience was fun and exciting. She really enjoyed it. Eating healthy is a practice we implement at home. But she learned new things like mixing fruits and meat together. And everything was delicious. Eliza’s favorite part of the cooking lessons is creating new foods and learning how her plate should look- rainbow plate. Excellent! Eliza enjoyed using all the supplies that were sent for her to use. Overally as a parent I give your program a 10 out of 10. It was very informative and full of new experiences for my daughter. Thank you for this opportunity.
Mercedez TorresParent, New York

This program is a phenomenal way for students to enjoy cooking and culture, while learning about making healthy lifestyle choices. At Colfax, we savor Common Threads as an integral after-school program for our students.
Casey WeissTeacher - Colfax Elementary, Pittsburgh, PA

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami is thankful to have such a strong community partner in Common Threads. During the COVID-19 crisis, our Littles and their families did not have enough food to eat. Thanks to Common Threads, hot food to cover four days was secured from Cafe La Trova. In times of crisis, humanity and partnership always win!
Gale NelsonPresident - Big Brothers Big Sisters, Miami, FL.

Please know that the Carrie P. Meek family is truly grateful for the support that the Common Threads program is providing to our families. Without the Common Threads program, we would not be able to do this good deed! In addition, we thank all involved in making provisions to our families in the form of gift cards to support them during this unprecedented time. I am personally thankful and appreciative for your-in kind gift to our families in need.
Marchel WoodsPrincipal - Carrie P. Meek Elementary, Miami, FL.

My training as a chef gives me the platform to help others, which is why I work with Common Threads and other community organizations. “I knew I could not be on the sidelines wishing someone would help, and I am grateful to be part of the solution.
Bill Kimchef-owner of Urbanbelly, Chicago, IL.
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Resources

National Fact Sheet

Sponsor Benefits Doc

Communications Toolkit
Contact information for
Communications team
Jordan Fickess,
LaTrice Stirrup,
lstirrup@commonthreads.org
Empowering Our Community
Many of the communities in which we work will be especially vulnerable to the repercussions of the pandemic.