Louis Groceris on 76th and Cottage Gove, Chicago
Tuesday, June 18th was food demo # three. And all I can say is wow! I think there were around 20-25 folks. We hit a record.
As you may already know I’ve been given the grand opportunity to participate in an exciting initiative. Louis Groceries in the Grand Crossing neighborhood in Chicago is bringing healthy food choices to an underserved neighborhood. The grocery store is a not for profit business model whose mission is to provide an alternative to the packaged good stores, or as I call them the Black Bag stores. A healthier alternative in our city’s food deserts – neighborhoods where access to healthy food options are limited or completely unavailable. The store is also committed to encouraging potential entrepreneurs to use this model to eradicate food deserts by opening their own grocery stores.
Food demonstration number four is right around the corner. Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 in fact. Not sure what I will prepare, but thats part of the fun. Combing cook books and internet sights for ideas. Relying on my cooking retoire. Asking folks what they would like to learn to cook is always provocative. Careful what you ask for you may find yourself in a bind that’s difficult to undo.
What I find most fascinating is how much I think I know about food and nutrition. People are so thirsty for information. I find during the demonstrations, that I really do have quite a bit of information to share . I do read a lot and listen and am passionate about food and how it can heal. But the biggest reward is being able to in some way influence folks to cook their own food, to pay attention to ingredients, to try to eat heathily. I am so happy to have a a goup of people with whom to share my knowledge and passion. The reward is the transformation. A women was in the store the other day. One of her children had picked up a bag of Doritos or some small bag of chips, and his mother said, “not today! Today we eat fruit.” Music to my ears.
If you’re in the neighorhood 7604 S. Cottage Grove consider dropping into the store. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. Teri, the manager is a great manager and part of a small board of directors that are living the reality. Feeding folks one class and one meal at a time.
If you know of anyone who lives in the neighborhood please encourage them to stop by. Not only will it be beneficial but I think it will be a lot of fun. You really should make a visit. The more the better! If you have any questions please let me know. Leave a comment. New flyers will be in print soon and always take a look at the calendar to the right for upcoming events. All the dates will be there. Plus for each demonstration, the recipes will be publidhed here.
This is truly a special relationship for me, and a wonderful resource for the residents of the neighborhood.Your support will be greatly appreciated
Thanks so much. I look forward to seeing you on the 16th
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