RELEASE: The Food Trust Acquires Nationally Renowned Nutrition Education Program

Cooking Matters, developed by Share Our Strength, provides curricula, recipes, tips and other resources to help caregivers develop their healthy cooking skills

This press release was issued by The Food Trust.

Contact: Carolyn Huckabay, chuckabay@thefoodtrust.org

February 26, 2024, Philadelphia, PA – The Food Trust, a national nonprofit working to ensure nutrition security for individuals, families and communities, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Cooking Matters. This nationally recognized nutrition education program, developed by Share Our Strength in 1993, has reached nearly 1 million individuals through courses, tours and flexible lessons in communities across the country. The program includes interactive, evidence-based curricula and resources for children, families and adults; its customizable lessons and toolkits focus on shopping and cooking healthy meals on a limited budget within a variety of community-based settings.

“Cooking Matters has the power to change people’s lives, and we are grateful that it has found a new home at The Food Trust,” said Chuck Scofield, Executive Vice President of Share Our Strength. “I can think of no organization that better aligns with the values and mission of Cooking Matters and the dedicated partners across the country who bring the program to life.”

A nationally recognized organization whose mission is in direct alignment with the Cooking Matters program, The Food Trust currently provides direct nutrition education programming in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, reaching over 30,000 children and families each year. In taking ownership of Cooking Matters, The Food Trust will build on its three decades of expertise in nutrition education and technical assistance, providing training and support to over 150 partners nationwide.

“We are thrilled and honored to be the new home for Cooking Matters, a resource we have always considered a model for nutrition education programs,” says Heidi Gorniok, Director of Community Nutrition at The Food Trust. “Cooking Matters has clearly demonstrated its ability to positively impact the lives of families and communities across the country.”

Adds Mark Edwards, President & CEO at The Food Trust: “No one should have to choose between eating healthy and eating enough. We are confident that adding Cooking Matters to our offerings will allow us to ensure that even more children and families have the resources they need to thrive.”

The program, including materials, digital assets and partner resources, will be fully transferred to The Food Trust by the end of September 2024.

About The Food Trust

Founded in 1992, The Food Trust works with neighborhoods, institutions, retailers, farmers and policymakers across the country to ensure delicious, nutritious food for all. Backed by three decades of research and evaluation, our holistic, community-centered approach to nutrition security weaves together three core programming elements — access, affordability and education — as well as a focus on advocating for public policy solutions. To learn more, visit thefoodtrust.org.