A diverse group of children, ages 10-17, will learn culinary techniques and skills that will benefit them for years to come. SeaGrass Restaurant, a contemporary American eatery in Ocean Grove, NJ, will teach the “BE Great, Graduate” group from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County (BGCM) how to cook a variety of food as well as dining etiquette at a one day seminar on April 24, 2012.
Earlier in the year, representatives from the United Way of Monmouth County attended a cooking class at BGCM’s Asbury Park Unit, and were inspired by the culinary fundamentals presented to the children in their weekly class, facilitated by BGCM “BE Great, Graduate” Coordinator, Christy Crank. The children participating in the cooking class are a part of “BE Great, Graduate”, a program to increase member’s participation in education and extracurricular activities.
“Creating these opportunities teaches the children how to make smart, healthy decisions,” stated Tim Hearne, President and CEO, United Way of Monmouth County. “In addition, learning culinary skills at a young age exposes children to a potential career path.”
BGCM’s program, “Rolling Into Healthy Eating,” teaches members the importance of fruits and vegetables, how to make healthy food choices, and how to combine those choices to make a nutritional and satisfying meal. Primarily, the program encourages members to eat balanced meals while cooking with seasonal ingredients from local markets.
“The goal is to introduce kids to fruits, vegetables, and meals they’ve never seen,” stated Crank. “Our strategy is to reinforce the concept that healthy eating is fun.”
Working with healthy, wholesome, and simple ingredients will teach members basics, as well as combining flavors and textures to create original dishes. Janine Cinseruli, Partner at SeaGrass, describes the cuisine as “good, solid food that’s not tampered with a whole lot.”
For more information about BGCM’s “Rolling Into Healthy Eating” program, contact the main office at 732-775-7862 or visit www.bgcmonmouth.org
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