Many Dearborn families struggle with limited access to nutritious, affordable food and limited resources surrounding nutrition and healthy cooking.
To tackle these issues head-on, Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities (LAHC) has launched a community kitchen designed to be a welcoming hub where families can come together over healthy, nourishing food.
Read on to learn how the Dearborn nonprofit fights food insecurity and childhood obesity through education, warm meals, access to nutritious foods, and other services.
Nourishment for all: LAHC’s mission to feed and educate
Wassim Mahfouz, chief executive officer of LAHC, says that by teaching kids and their parents at a very young age how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you are setting someone on the path of living healthy and disease-free.
LAHC’s new community kitchen serves hot, nutritious meals to those in need, offers a food pantry, and hosts generational cooking classes as part of its Healthy Living and Obesity Prevention Program.
Through its workforce development programs, the kitchen will also help participants gain the culinary expertise they need to enter and thrive in the workplace.
LAHC’s impact on the Dearborn community
The nonprofit began as an athletic organization in 1982 and has since expanded to offer a wide range of services to nearly 56,000 individuals annually, including:
- English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
- Scholarship opportunities
- Mental health services
- Developmental disabilities and autism services
- Exercise and parenting programs
- Digital and financial literacy classes
- Substance use disorder prevention
LAHC’s kitchen is the latest addition to a growing list of services, resources, and programs designed to meet the evolving needs of its community.
What is food insecurity? How does it impact communities?
Food insecurity refers to a lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food to support a healthy lifestyle.
One unexpected outcome of food insecurity is its link to obesity. This results from the affordability and accessibility of processed foods high in sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives but devoid of nutrition.
The result is health issues that impact children and families, such as weight gain and long-term health risks.
Preventing childhood obesity with education
Mahfouz’s passion for the program comes from his experience and health struggles. He says he wants to give others the knowledge he wishes he had.
Obesity has become a growing problem in the U.S. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, an estimated 37 million children under age 5 were overweight, and over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight.
While it was once considered a high-income country problem, it is now rising even in low- and middle-income countries.
Health risks associated with overweight and obesity
According to WHO, being overweight in childhood and adolescence leads to a higher risk and earlier onset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as the social and emotional consequences.
Contributing factors to the rise of obesity
The rise in overweight and obesity rates is complex and influenced by multiple contributing factors, including:
- Increased availability of processed foods
- More screen time and less physical activity
- Limited budgets and less access to healthy foods
- Limited access to education on nutrition and healthy eating habits
- Genetic and biological factors
LAHC’s community kitchen aims to address these barriers and help individuals and families overcome them through access to healthy foods and education that will help them build a strong nutritional foundation earlier in life.
Strategies for healthier eating habits on a budget
Healthy eating becomes more accessible when you have the proper tools, knowledge, and support to make more nutritious choices within your means.
The following simple strategies can help you make the most of your budget while still prioritizing your health.
Choose whole foods over processed foods
Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes are healthier and often more affordable than processed, packaged options.
Whole foods are nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins and minerals without the added sugars or unhealthy fats.
Ingredients in their natural form, such as fresh produce or dry beans, can save money while boosting nutritional value.
Shop seasonally for fresh produce
Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often cheaper, fresher, and more flavorful.
For example, apples and squash are generally less expensive in the fall, while berries are more affordable in the summer.
This approach can help you add variety to your meals throughout the year while staying within budget.
Buy in bulk when possible
Purchasing bulk grains, beans, nuts, and spices can save money in the long run, especially for pantry staples.
Rice, oats, lentils, and quinoa are some budget-friendly staples that can be bought in bulk and used in various recipes.
Focus on versatile ingredients and prepare meals ahead of time
Eggs, carrots, spinach, and beans are just a few ingredients that can be used in a wide range of meals, from omelets to salads and soups.
Create a list of versatile ingredients for the week and plan your meals ahead of time to reduce waste and save time.
Consider plant-based proteins
Plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, chickpeas, and tofu are affordable and nutritious alternatives to meat high in fiber and protein.
A hearty lentil soup or bean chili is not only filling but cost-effective, making it easier to eat well on a budget.
Visit LAHC’s community kitchen
LAHC provides immediate relief to our community through healthy, balanced meals, but we want to do even more.
Join us in breaking the cycle of food insecurity and building a healthier community by learning how to prepare affordable, nutritious meals.
To learn more, visit our website or Facebook page, or call us at 313-846-8480.