Too many in our country and community are facing health problems including high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Genetics play a role, but so do poor eating habits and a lack of exercise.

Hawthorne has been trying for decades to help ensure that we are all a little healthier by providing exercise opportunities. Now, we’re helping address diet.

We’re offering a series of FREE cooking classes in September and October to help you make healthy, delicious, easy meals on a budget. You don’t have to be a Food Network Chef or spend hundreds at the grocery to help your family eat and feel better.

Participants will receive a free bag of groceries each week to help them practice recipes on their families. We’ll also take a field trip to the grocery store to learn to shop for healthy and affordable food for under $10.

The program is sponsored by the Indy Hunger Network and Walmart and supported by the Marion County Health Department and Top 10: Transforming Health in Central Indiana.

Classes will take place September 6, 13, 20, 27 and October 4 and 11. Each class will start at 6 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. in the Hawthorne Community Room/Kitchen. (Please park and enter at the NORTH end of the building.)

We have a limited number of spots available. Please reserve your place in the series of classes by emailing ddunderdale@hawthornecenter.org and edillahunt@hawthornecenter.org today! You can also call 317-637-4312.

Here’s to yummy, healthy eating!

By Hawthorne Community Center Executive Director Diane Arnold