After SNAP-Ed funding was cut from Mount Baker Middle School, staff worried that Cooking Club might not continue this year. Thanks to Fred Meyer, Communities In Schools of Whatcom-Skagit (CISWS) secured a $2,500 donation, giving Site Coordinators Lisa Bradley and Ivett Zavala the ability to lead the club.
Cooking Club has been a great success, and contributes to an improved attendance and sense of belonging while teaching valuable life skills to students, especially those who often need to care for themselves and their younger siblings.
Having the donated supplies from SNAP-Ed and the gift cards from Fred Meyer really made it possible. I am so grateful to be able to bring this experience to our 6-8th grade students. The kids are having a lot of fun and learning important skills that will last their lifetime. …. This brings me back to why I became a health teacher and just fills me with a lot of joy seeing kids make connections and take lessons home to use on their own.” Bradley said.
The cooking club has quickly become a fun and welcoming space for students to connect and try new things. One of the highlights has been seeing students step out of their comfort zones, whether experimenting with new recipes or working together to solve challenges in the kitchen. Students have responded very positively, often looking forward to the club as a creative and social break from their usual routine. It’s also helped build friendships across different groups and grade levels. Overall, the club has had a great impact on student culture by promoting teamwork, inclusivity, and a sense of community, all centered around a shared love of food.” Zavala said.
This Teir 2 service has inspired Mount Baker Middle School siblings to be present at school. The students were told in order to participate in cooking club, they have to improve their attendance. Their parent shared that this strategy has been working well and they are more accountable about their attendance because they don’t want to miss cooking club.
Communities In Schools of Whatcom-Skagit values the many ways our Site Coordinators connect with students, and we remain committed to ensuring essential supports like this continue to thrive.
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