Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins is thrilled to announce the opening of their brand-new community kitchen, a welcoming space with top level appliances and a wide range of opportunities to host healthy living workshops. ACT’s Executive Director, Kelsey MacDonnell says, “Our new kitchen opens the doors for us to do much more for the community. We’re building a more regular and consistent culinary program that is accessible to the public.” 

With its launch, ACT is turning up the heat on its Collective Cooking programs which focus on offering residents practical and delicious know how. From mastering mouthwatering meals to learning how to stretch a grocery budget without sacrificing nutrition, these programs are prepared to reach more people than ever before. 

The 640 square foot kitchen has space for up to 20 participants. It will be a place where neighbours come together to learn how to whip up healthy meals on a dime. 

Food Fit Series

The 12-week Food Fit series is currently underway. The program blends healthy eating with being more active. Each week, participants cook, learn, move, and laugh as they explore practical ways to eat and feel better. MacDonnell says, “We get together every Friday to cook different recipes, focus on creating healthier habits, and promoting a more positive body image, while engaging in activities such as painting or going for a walk.” 

Whether it’s discovering new recipes or finding simple ways to stay active, Food Fit makes healthy living enjoyable. It’s a program made possible thanks to the generous support of Community Food Centres of Canada. 

The Food Fit program is every Friday from Noon to 3pm.

Muffin Mondays Workshop

Monday’s have become a whole lot tastier at ACT’s downtown office with the start of their “Muffin Monday” workshop. This hands-on program teaches kids how to whip up healthy treats while connecting them with local ingredients grown right in their own backyard. For example, in the first session, they baked delicious blueberry muffins, made extra nutritious by adding cottage cheese for a protein punch. 

Along the way, kids learn about the nutritional benefits of fresh, locally-grown foods, especially the wild berries that flourish around Timmins in the summer months. Muffin Mondays run after school, from 4pm to 6pm, and are a fun, flavorful way to build healthy habits from the ground up. 

“Muffin Monday” wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the Richelieu Club of Timmins that jumped at the chance to engage kids in fun and education cooking classes. 

Starting the day off right 

ACT’s Breakfast Program serves up a nutritious breakfast to some of the community’s most vulnerable residents every Wednesday from 10am to 11am. Sponsored by the United Way, this initiative provides a hearty breakfast and is a reminder that kindness at ACT is always on the menu. 

New Kitchen, Fresh Possibilities

Kelsey MacDonnell has some appetizing ideas for the new community kitchen. She says, “One thing I really want to do is a seniors’ baking competition. They have wonderful recipes for the best cookies and muffins you’ll ever eat. If each Seniors’ Home has their own competition, the winners can compete with their time-tested treats in our new kitchen.”

Other possibilities include a playful workshop on “How to hide your vegetables” in recipes like smoothies and stews for parents with picky eaters. And, for anyone navigating a tight budget, they’re planning classes on creative cooking with food bank staples, turning canned goods and panty basics into tasty meals. 

To make a budget go further, they also want to teach people how to prepare nutritious meals for the week. They would also like to introduce a program that features Indigenous cooking. 

Chef Inspired Culinary Experiences 

Another idea that has been simmering with Kelsey MacDonnell is bringing in local chefs to serve up some culinary inspiration. Timmins is home to a vibrant food scene – think rich Indian curries, sizzling stir-fries, and cozy comfort foods. MacDonnell says, “But inviting chefs to lead hands-on sessions, participants can learn how to prepare authentic dishes, pick up pro tips, and enjoy an elevated kitchen experience. It’s about sharing culture, flavours, and community.” 

ACT’s kitchen invites people to socialize, learn new skills, and share an experience around cooking. People who were a little shy and reluctant at first are telling staff they can’t wait to come back for the following sessions. 

But none of the healthy cooking and lifestyle programs offering by Anti-hunger Coalition Timmins would be possible without the generous support of local businesses and organizations. Kelsey MacDonnell says, “If there is a business that would like to support our vision and values of encouraging a healthier and more connected community, we would love to invite you to be part of this journey.”  

For more information on Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins, call (705) 262-2499, email [email protected], or visit their website.