Cooking Up Success at Local Goods

We proudly offers services that meets the community where they are and responding to real needs in meaningful ways. One of the programs we offer is our cooking classes. We host them in different locations across North Texas to help families have access to healthy recipes through live demonstrations.

Making an Impact at Local Goods

Since 2023, the YMCA has served more than 150 participants at Local Goods through hands-on cooking demonstrations that teach families how to prepare healthy, practical meals using ingredients available directly from the on-site food market. Access to nutritious food is only part of the solution without the knowledge and confidence to prepare healthy meals, the food itself is not enough.

Hear it from One of our Dietitians

“As a dietitian, I look forward to leading the cooking classes at Local Good Center as it is so rewarding to see the impact that is being made in our community. The participants that attend this class are from diverse background and many of them are ESL participants that are incredibly eager to learn. Beyond the recipes, I use our time together to cover topics like the benefits of fiber or how to read a food label and answer nutrition related questions. My goal is to show that healthy eating is accessible to everyone, using affordable staples found right in the local food pantry. Seeing our classes grow—reaching 20 participants this past October—and watching children try new foods alongside their parents is a constant reminder of why this work matters.”  Bea Morales

Cooking Classes at the Y

Thanks to community partners, the YMCA is able to host hands on cooking demonstration for families across North Texas. These classes provide families with access to easy-to-make, healthy, and nutritious recipes using affordable, accessible ingredients.