Cooking & Nutrition Classes

Cooperative Extension offers several different free cooking and nutrition workshops for families, youth and seniors who have limited incomes and who live in Tompkins County. These free workshops are held at different places throughout Tompkins County and we provide all materials that you will use, including the food that you will cook and eat during the class. Some workshops also provide free childcare and transportation (if needed). For new moms, we also offer breastfeeding classes and support.

Each class participant receives a free computer food intake analysis, which helps your nutrition educator to customize the class sessions to meet your specific needs. Classes are taught in English to groups at various community sites or individual homes. Our Nutrition Educators continually strive to help you to recognize the value of good food and nutrition and make food safety habit forming!

What classes can I take?

Call our office to find out what classes are coming up that might be the best and most convenient for you!

What will I learn?

In our cooking and nutrition workshops, you will learn about:

• Feeding your family healthy meals
• Cooking low cost meals
• Smart food shopping
• Food safety
• How to read and understand a food label
• Food resources or services in our community that can help your family to get enough healthy and nutritious food

How much do the workshops cost?

Workshops are free, but only people with limited resources who meet income-eligiblity guidelines can enroll. Call today and speak with a nutrition educator to see if you can take these free classes.

How long are the workshops, and when are they offered?

Workshops are usually 2 hours long, and meet 6 to 8 times. We ask you to plan to attend at least 6 of the classes so that you will learn as much as possible, and can receive a "certificate of completion". Please call one of our nutrition educators to find out if you are eligible for our free classes, and to find a time and location that is convenient for you. In some cases, we may be able to come to your home and work with you individually.

Groups, families and individuals looking for information on stretching food dollars, cooking low cost nutritious meals, food safety, reading food labels, and general nutrition guidelines for better health can call us.

Last updated December 13, 2021