Workforce Opportunity Services (WOS), a leading non-profit organization connecting individuals from underserved populations with transformative career opportunities, is hosting another FREE series - Mindful Meals: Nourishing Your Mental Wellness through Cooking. Each session is designed for individuals of ALL AGES and is aimed at expanding their horizon in the arts.

Engaging in the art of cooking goes beyond the mere act of preparing a meal. With focused attention and a keen eye for detail, it becomes a gateway to mindfulness, allowing you to be fully present in the moment and find respite from life's stresses. Each chop, stir, and knead becomes a release, providing a therapeutic outlet for both your mind and body.

Preparing a meal from scratch and seeing the beautifully plated creation becomes a source of personal satisfaction and boosted self-esteem. By choosing to cook your meals at home, you unlock the power to shape your culinary experience, making conscious choices that promote healthier living. From selecting wholesome ingredients to crafting balanced meals, you take charge of your well-being and embark on a journey of self-care and nourishment. Sharing a meal with loved ones or inviting friends over for a cooking session can foster social connections, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote a sense of belonging.

Join us each week in this four-part series with chef Darbe Smart as she shares her passion for cooking and love for food with us. A recipe will be provided a week in advance of each class for those who would like to cook along, but it isn’t necessary. If you prefer, you can watch, learn, and re-create your own masterpiece later. All meals are designed to be prepared in under an hour!

This experience is designed to stimulate creativity!

• Wednesday, August 2: Seasonal Cooking - August brings some of the most delicious produce to the market, and the dishes that can be prepared with them are some of the best! Learning the different ingredients that come from each season is such an easy way to make some unforgettable dishes and meals.
• Wednesday, August 9: Cooking with Kids - Teaching children how to cook and getting excited about being in the kitchen is super important! These are skills that they will use for the rest of their lives, helping them make healthier choices and be eager to try new foods!
• Wednesday, August 16: Dinner from Leftovers - We all save leftovers in hopes to make a meal out of it for later, but sometimes getting creative with last night’s leftover rice or pasta is difficult. One of Darbe’s favorite things to do in a kitchen is make an incredible meal out of what she has in the pantry or fridge. Basically, a follow along episode of CHOPPED.
• Wednesday, August 23: Semi-Homemade Dishes - This class will focus around elevating an already made dish like ramen noodles, for example. There are so many ways to take a cheap package of noodles to the next level just by adding some protein and vegetables. This is really great for the nights when you don’t have time to cook a full meal but still want something satisfying and easy to make.

Each session is free and is provided by Workforce Opportunity Services.

Series Dates and Times:

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable ALL individuals to engage fully. To request an accommodation, or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Amy Dolph at amy.dolph@wforce.org