Get ready to learn how to master your health with food! Our free Kitchen Confidence mini-session, Chat and Chew, is launching soon. Stay tuned for dates and registration!

What is the Chat and Chew Project?

The mini-sessions engage HOPE Pantry guests in nutrition-focused discussions paired with fresh produce bundles distributed twice a month. Each “Chat” mini-session offers simple, practical education on healthy eating, salt reduction, balanced plates, and portion control.

Each “Chew” bundle reinforces the learning by providing additional fruits and vegetables to help participants practice healthier meal choices at home. The goal is to empower pantry participants to improve blood pressure, lower A1C levels, and achieve gradual, sustainable weight reduction through consistent access to nutritious foods and culturally appropriate nutrition education.

The Chat and Chew mini-sessions are funded by the Virginia Department of Health (Piedmont District)

Kitchen Confidence is a hands-on culinary adventure that empowers individuals to take control of their health — one delicious dish at a time! Whether you’re just learning to hold a knife or you’ve been cooking for years, our program is designed to build knowledge, skill, and power in the kitchen.

Discover how to turn everyday ingredients into vibrant meals, or maybe you want to learn how to shop smart and read labels, explore global flavors, and spark joy in cooking again. Using real food, real tools, and real-life situations, Kitchen Confidence is more than a class — it's a movement to help families and communities eat better, cook smarter, and feel great while doing it.

With programs tailored for every age and ability, you’ll stir, sauté, and spice your way to healthier habits — all while having fun and learning together.