Join The Dubuque Food Co-Op and local foods & nutrition educators from Project Concern and Dubuque County ISU Extension and Outreach at Gallery C (900 Jackson St, Ste 113) in a community conversation and cooking class on creating healthy, homemade meals this winter using seasonal produce. The class is just one in a series being developed through a network of community members and organizations to promote health equity in Dubuque by reducing barriers to healthy behaviors.

"The average American grocery store now carries over 45,000 different products, a small fraction of which are whole, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. It shouldn't come as a surprise then, that a lot of people don't know what to do with an acorn squash, or beets, or what a rutabaga is. But as more is revealed about the hidden health and environmental costs of convenience foods, the more people are becoming interested in cooking with fresh, local ingredients," Carolyn Scherf, Local Food Coordinator, Dubuque County ISU Extension and Outreach.  

The evening's conversation will focus on understanding what local produce is "in season" during the winter, understanding "local" and "organic" labels, and making the most of a tight food budget. Americorps Vista, Megan Martin, housed at Project Concern, will demonstrate how to prepare several affordable seasonal dishes, and participants will enjoy plenty of delicious samples!