When Marissa Pakiz heard about the student organic farm on the university’s east campus she knew there was an opportunity to combine two things she loves. “I’m passionate about supporting local growers and thought this would be a great way to promote their farm and my CookWell classes - it seemed like a win-win.”
As the coordinator for Wellness Services and Nutrition Education for Campus Recreation, part of her job is to organize CookWell classes which provide opportunities for the campus community to come together and connect while preparing recipes of different topics and themes. For her recent Pick Your Produce event, the theme was the garden-to-table experience. Pakiz explains, “[t]he garden to table experience is unique because it reconnects us with where our food comes from. With the conveniences of the modern world, oftentimes we don’t know where our food was grown or who grew it. It's a very special experience to pick your food straight from the source when we’re accustomed to selecting it off the shelf of the grocery store.”
Not only does eating locally sourced foods allow you to understand where your food comes from, but according to Pakiz, “eating more seasonal, local produce promotes environmental sustainability, community, and consumption of nutrient-dense foods. You’re also more likely to try different varieties of produce which promotes a balanced and varied diet.”
When asked what participants got from the experience, Pakiz was excited to explain that more than one participant said the flavors they tasted in the dishes they made were fresher and brighter than what they usually find in the grocery store. "I would absolutely be interested in doing this event again in the spring so keep an eye out for similar events next year."
Interested in attending an upcoming CookWell class? Find them on the student events calendar and sign up today!
UPCOMING COOKWELL CLASSES
Oktober Feast
September 9 | 5:30 p.m.
Recreation & Wellness Center
Halloween Snacks
October 28 | 5:30 p.m.
Recreation & Wellness Center
Autumn Harvest
November 10 | 5:30 p.m.
Recreation & Wellness Center
Wonderful Winter Vegetables
December 9 | 5:30 p.m.
Virtual event via ZOOM
More details at: https://crec.unl.edu/wellness_services