PROGRAMS
Common Threads goes Virtual
Common Threads believes cooking is a life skill. Through our hands-on cooking and nutrition education programs, we inspire healthy habits for children, families and educators in schools and partner nonprofit organizations.
During the historic COVID-19 pandemic, Common Threads knows that the health, economic, and social burdens will be especially heavy for people in the communities we reach. Our immediate focus is on supporting the children and families who are most severely impacted by the loss of resources, and the teachers who are dedicated to meeting their educational needs. Outreach extends beyond our core markets to include virtual programming through our Common Bytes resource hub.
Below is information on our current virtual program offerings.
Small Bites
Virtual Nutrition Education Series
Grants available per 8-lesson series led by Chef Instructors
This in-school, after-school and summer program teaches PreK-8th grade students about nutrition and healthy cooking through a series of eight lessons combining nutrition and snack making. The lessons are aligned to local education standards. The lessons give students the opportunity to connect math, language arts, and science concepts to interactive experiences that provide tools to live longer, healthier lives.
The Small Bites nutrition education series is available in three formats
- Common Threads Led (PreK-8th)
- Partner/Educator Led (Grades 3rd-8th)
- On-Demand (3rd-5th Grades )
**Small Bites is a SNAP-Ed approved intervention designed to increase nutrition knowledge, vegetable consumption, and variety of vegetables consumed. We are encouraging anyone who is interested to enroll, complete the self-guided course then gain access to all our curriculum, downloads and resources. Learn how to get trained and set up your free CommonBytes account today. Resources include:
- Small Bites Lesson Plans
- Student Worksheets
- Educational Videos
- Nutrition Education Games
- Extension Activities
Virtual Ask a Chef cooking demos
Grants available for one-off demos
These interactive virtual cooking demos feature nutrition tips and kitchen skills. The lessons feature a live cooking demo, but participants are not required to cook along. The demo ends with a Q&A for families to ask any questions they have!
Virtual Parent Workshops
Grants available for one-off or Series Based
This program engages parents and encourages healthy eating habits at home and in the community at large. Topics include: basic nutrition, grocery shopping, and cooking with kids. The workshops have flexible formatting that allows them to be incorporated in other parent related programs, like parent meetings, school wellness council events, and health fairs.
Virtual Cooking Classes
Grants available for up to 9 lessons
These classes bring students and parents together through cooking. The classes are designed for 3rd-8th graders and require adult supervision or participation. The class features flavors from around the world while focusing on the following focus areas: Restaurant Meals at Home, Roasting, Baking & Breakfast, and Plant Based Diets. Grocery shopping lists will be provided for families interested in purchasing the ingredients ahead of time. Participants are recommended to cook alongside the chef instructor.
Educator Professional Development
Grants available for live virtual professional development training (2 hours)
Common Threads offers professional development for educators and school support staff. These sessions empower educators to improve their personal health and wellness, act as healthy role models for students, and build a school culture of wellness.
In-Person Programming
Limited in-person programming is available within select markets (depending on school district and community readiness). In-person program include:
Small Bites nutrition education series
In-school 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 Skills & World Cuisine
A global class engages students’ tastes and minds explores the culture and cuisine of 10 countries, while also encouraging wellness by including physical activity and educating students on nutritious foods.
Family Cooking Classes
These classes bring students and parents together through cooking. Partners are able to choose from the following focus areas: Restaurant Meals at Home, Family Dinner without the Stress, and A Healthy Start – Breakfast Made Easy.
Grocery Store Tours
This chef guided tour takes place at a local grocery store and engages parents on how to economically buy healthy foods.
For more information on our programs and virtual learning, contact classes@commonthreads.org
