Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Team Elie

If you've been reading this blog for a while you might have heard that I'm involved in a great program called Common Threads in which we teach children from Low-income families about nutrition, culture and cooking. Today, I wanted to introduce you to my team of kids out of the whole group we work with every Monday.

They love to call themselves the chefs from Team Elie... aren't they really cute?

Every Monday a groups of 16 children come to the kitchen and learn about a different country, their culture, costumes and most of all their food. Then the whole group is divided in small groups each with a different volunteer that supervises the cooking of the day's dishes.

One of our our kids learning more about the places we all come from... Victor is from Spain!

The best thing about this program is that children feel engaged in a different activity, they have a purpose and  have a sense of accomplishment at the end of the 2 hours we spend together. I love the fact that we are actually doing something to improve the quality of their lives and most of all the type of adults they one day will become.

We teach them to use certain kitchen tools and the wonderful 
world of ingredients... it doesn't include french fries!

There are Common Threads programs in many parts of the US and they love to have people volunteer, so if you feel like this is something for you please check them out. If you don't live in the US check them out anyways because what they do is great and can help others make a difference starting with the younger generations.

Aren't they really cute wearing their chef hats and aprons... You are looking at our future!

Talking about nutrition, do you ever eat any junk or fast food?

Hope you are having a great Wednesday!

22 comments:

  1. I can't believe I don't know about this program, it sounds fantastic! I have to go to DC for work sometimes - wondered if I could get involved... the kids are adorable & Team Elie is so cute! (Btw, I did a double-take at their name - it's what we've called a small new group blog :)).

    I don't go to fast food places, but I'm totally guilty of eating junk food sometimes! (Chips and hard candies, for the occasional afternoon boost).

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  2. I love this Elie! It is a beautiful project. I rarely eat junk food or fast food, I just feel awful after I do.

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  3. This is such an incredible program to be involved with! And I imagine it's awfully fun, too. :)

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  4. This is terrific! Go team Elie! How wonderful for you to be involved with this great program.

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  5. This is such a great idea!:)

    I eat healthily, but I do like fast food sometimes. :)SarahD

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  6. That is such a wonderful program and so lovely that you are involved in it:) Its so great to see all those smiles...Kids are adorable!

    I try not to eat junk food but sometimes after a long day I cant say no!
    hhahaha

    Kisses
    Ps: I am hosting a ban.do headband GIVEAWAY today! Please, join in!

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  7. What an amazing program! These photos are so inspiring, and the difference you're making in their lives is going to be enormous.

    I can't remember the last time I pulled into a drive-thru, although I can't resist making the occasional batch of pommes frites sprinkled with garlic and rosemary!

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  8. thanks so much for posting about this!

    i eat the occasional junk...
    why can't someone come up with a healthy drive through? i don't mean the gross iceberg lettuce salad option; but fast food drive -through with real food like wild rice salad or hummus and cucumber on 7 grain toast?!

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  9. So much good....smiles.

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  10. This is so beyond cool and so needed. It's inspiring. I should be more like you!

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  11. What a GREAT organization! I would love to get involved with something like this. I'm a nutrition freak after many years of dealing with food allergies. Great post! xo

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  12. Awh, this is such a great organization...thanks for posting about it! As far as fast food... I hate most fast food places so avoiding them is not hard for me. However, when I'm in Cali I have to make the routine stop at In&Out... that's my only fast food indulgence. great post! xoxo

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  13. Elie, it looks like you're having so much fun! I'd love to do this but there's nothing in San Diego or New York. Maybe I should contact the organization and see if we can change that...

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  14. I just found your blog....love it..what a wonderful program you are involved in.....Im your newest follower:)

    Stop by and say Hello ♥
    Statements in Fashion Blog

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  15. That sounds like such an amazing program!! I used to be involved in case management for elderly individuals and we had some similar programs for them that were also very cool :)

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  16. This program is awesome! You inspire all of us to do something in our community! And yes, these kids are too cute!

    I love cooking, but I also have a penchant for good junk food...like Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and french fries, etc. I blame it on my parents :-))).

    Have an awesome day sweetie!
    Rambles with Reese

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  17. now that is making a difference! The kids look happy and then they get a good meal too. They will be cooking this same food for their entire lives! well done!

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  18. What a great program you' are involved in Eie! I love this idea and am going to find out if there's one near me! What a briiliant concept. I know from taking some cooking classes where there was a younger kid enrolled that it's the perfect way to integrate something fun with accomplishment and learning.

    xoxo

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  19. beautiful post. and yeah, i eat some junk foods on the weekends (game days), but i rarely ever eat fast food.

    http://ohtobeamuse.com

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  20. Firstly, this is amazing and secondly, how and earth do I get involved??
    xox tash

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  21. what a fantastic program! those kids look adorable. what a great thing to be doing!

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  22. I love this idea -- what a great concept! So important in today's society, I believe, more than it has been in the past. Oh yes, and I rarely eat junk food...

    xoxo

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