Featured photo: Chef Tee and participants creating their vegetable stir fry sauce from scratch
Photos courtesy of Mission Possible
Written by Tanya Terry
Almost two-thirds (64.2%) of Genesee County adults are overweight or obese, and the obesity rate (33.0%) for adults and (20%) for children in the area is greater than the state or the nation. That’s according to the 2023-2025 Community Health Needs Assessment and Implementation Strategy for McLaren Flint.
The report also points out area adults and children consume inadequate amounts of fruits and vegetables and do not engage in physical activity as much as they should. More than one-quarter (27%) of Genesee County adults report no leisure time or physical activity.
The World Health Organization points out being overweight or obese can have a serious impact on health. Carrying extra fat leads to serious health consequences such as cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon). These conditions cause premature death and substantial disability.
The World Health Organization also says what is not widely known is that the risk of health problems starts when someone is only very slightly overweight, and that the likelihood of problems increases as someone becomes more and more overweight. Many of these conditions cause long-term suffering for individuals and families.
Gianna Oliver is a project manager for Mission Possible with a culinary arts background. She specializes in healthy cooking.
According to Oliver, the mission of Mission Possible is to build a sustainable community through education and independence, as well as economic development.
Oliver recently talked to the Courier about a cooking program that was held in Flint called NourisHer. NourisHer is a hands-on culinary program for all ages that was offered to local women and girls free of charge. The program is designed to promote healthy eating habits for all ages.
“Our team was inspired to create this culinary arts program by a combination of personal experiences, community needs and a collective desire to make a positive impact,” explained Oliver. “We noticed a troubling trend of high obesity rates among children, particularly in underserved communities. Many youth lacked opportunities to learn about nutrition and develop essential cooking skills, which as crucial for making healthier food choices.”
NourisHer started in early April 2024. Culinary classes were held for women and girls in different age groups, starting at age 4. There was also a mother-daughter cooking class and a daddy-daughter cooking class.
Participants learned to make baked chicken and stuffed chicken, alfredo, as well stir fry, which the participants said was their favorite. They also learned the proper way to make rice.
“A lot of people burn rice,” said Oliver.
Oliver said healthy cooking is a necessity for everyone.
“Now we’ll be starting NourisHim,” she added.
Two one-day classes will take place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 13 for boys ages 5-14. Oliver said it was because of the demand that the participants will have two class options on that day.
“Our vision is to empower young boys to take control of their health and build a foundation for lifelong wellness. The program represents our commitment to nurturing a healthier, more informed generation and to building a community that supports and uplifts each other.”
In essence, according to Oliver, the culinary arts program is driven by a mission to address pressing health issues, fill an educational gap and inspire boys to become confident, health conscious individuals who can contribute positively to their families and community.
Oliver also said classes for both genders may be available in the future.
“But currently we do like how it’s divided in the groups because it makes them feel like their special. This class is for me. This class is for my age group, and they’re teaching at a level that I can understand.”
For more information on free culinary cooking classes through Mission Possible, email Missionpossiblecom@gmail.com and check for Mission Possible cooking events on Eventbrite.
