Nourishing Hope with Nutrition Education
Misty Roberts, Nutrition Education Manager at The Idaho Foodbank, recently finished a 5-week Cooking Matters for Teens at Simply Hope—a nonprofit dedicated to helping teens in need of support and guidance.
Each week, teens gathered to explore practical ways to build balanced meals, read nutrition labels, and stretch their food budgets. The sessions were hands-on and interactive, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and try new recipes together.
The welcoming environment at Simply Hope made a big impact. One participant shared in a post-course survey:
“My favorite part was learning about MyPlate so I can make healthier choices.”
Programs like this show how nutrition education can empower people to take charge of their health—one meal at a time. When teens feel supported and equipped with knowledge, they’re more confident in making choices that nourish both body and mind.