Low Effort Meals – Cooking has been shown to improve mental health through reduced anxiety and improved emotional and overall well-being. With that in mind, these chef and dietitian-led classes aim to enhance participants’ self-care toolbox through nutrition education and teaching life skills, as well as focusing on foods for brain health and mind-body connection. This class will foster a relaxed and inclusive social atmosphere, and we hope to explore the benefits of not only the food on the table, but of cooking together.

This “Zhuzhed Up Mac” class focuses on giving a pantry staple meal a practical nutrition upgrade, with little prep or clean-up, designed to keep you fed, even when it feels overwhelming. Do low levels of energy impact your ability to cook? Do you struggle with the physical or mental load of meal preparation? Feel overwhelmed by meal planning? This class is for you!

You’ll learn how to turn boxed mac & cheese into a more balanced and nourishing meal by adding protein and veggies without creating extra stress in the kitchen. We’ll share approachable strategies for reducing the mental and physical load of cooking while still creating satisfying meals that help keep you fed and supported.

Allergens: dairy

Eligibility:

• Open to participants ages 18+ or 16- and 17-year-olds if accompanied by an adult.
• No prior cooking experience required unless otherwise noted.
• Participants must be able to follow safety instructions and work independently or in a group setting.

What to expect:

• Participants will be provided with all ingredients and appliances needed to prepare and cook a delicious, complete meal.
• At the end of the class, all participants will enjoy their meal together and leave with a copy of the recipe to recreate at home.
• Recipes subject to accommodate seasonal availability and freshness.

Attendance & Commitment:

• Participants are expected to arrive on time and remain for the full class.
• Advance registration is required; walk-ins may not be accommodated.
• Cancellation policies apply (please provide notice if you cannot attend). We will provide a refund if class is cancelled more than 24 hours before start time.

Health & Safety:

• Do not attend if you are feeling unwell.
• Participants must follow all kitchen safety and hygiene guidelines.
• Closed-toe shoes are required; long hair should be tied back.
• No outside food and drinks please.

Allergies & Dietary Needs:

• While we make every effort to identify ingredients and avoid cross-contact, our kitchen is not allergen-free. Ingredients containing common allergens (including peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish) are used in our facility, and cross-contact may occur.
• Please disclose any food allergies or dietary restrictions during registration.
• Please notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions at least 3 days prior to your class so we can make reasonable accommodations where possible.
• While we strive to accommodate dietary needs, substitutions cannot be guaranteed for all recipes or sessions.
• Ingredients and recipes may change based on availability. Please review updated allergen information upon arrival.
• While we aim to accommodate, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

Liability & Waivers:

• Participants may be required to sign a waiver prior to class during the registration process.
• By registering, participants acknowledge the inherent risks of a kitchen environment.