Article By: Nicole Chandler - Chicot Community Schools Coordinator
Chicot Elementary has had a busy month celebrating National Nutrition Month. To mark the occasion, Chicot organized its Family Cooking Class series and Community Café & Health Fair.
In collaboration with UAMS Culinary Medicine and the UAMS College of Public Health, the school focused on recipes emphasizing fresh, heart-healthy, and quick options. Families were provided with cooking kits containing utensils, cookbooks, and more. The support extended by UAMS, the City of Little Rock, and FoodCorps has been greatly appreciated by Chicot students, families, and staff.
Chicot also teamed up with Chicot Health Clinic for its annual Community Café and Health celebration. Special thanks go to Ms. Jaime Combs, clinic manager, for her assistance in planning the event. Attendees enjoyed dinner from Afrobites, along with fresh produce from Carpenter's Produce Market. The event featured taste tests, health screenings, dance workouts, and more.
The administration at Chicot wishes to recognize the City of Little Rock for piloting the new program which provides free produce at the Cafe. It was a hit! A special shout out to all Chicot staff and community members who volunteered at the event, as well as the vendors who came ready to engage with the community. Healthy families = healthy communities.
All of this work is making a difference. A parent at the Café said it was her first time attending because she finally got a day off and was able to spend time with her family. Another parent said she “loved everything about the cooking class and wanted more.” That is the power of Community Schools.
Check Chicot’s Facebook page for pictures this week.