The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Effort looks to improve health
Cooking demonstrations, Bible study part of initiative
Pathways Enrichment Center in Lorain is raising awareness of total health.
The center has launched a program through April 2022 to alter the way Lorain County citizens view their diet, mind and spirit.
The Pathways Plate promotes good nutrition to prevent obesity in Lorain County.
Each month, the program will have three components: lecture and intertwining public events; cooking demonstration in partnership with the Lorain Public Library System; and a Bible study.
The program helps families maximize their food resources and make nutritious meals.
The Family Food for Thought monthly food demonstration took place Sept. 4 at the Lorain Library Main Branch, 351 W. Sixth St. in downtown Lorain
The event was the first in-person demonstration in the Main Branch’s newly renovated culinary literacy center.
Lorain Library Content Marketing Strategist Katie Nix said she’s happy to see the space utilized how it was intended.
“We began this program virtually throughout the pandemic via Zoom,” Nix said. “It’s great to be able to bring that to the people of Lorain, which was always our intention.”
Michele Ketterick, chef and public services professional, said it’s important to start children in the kitchen when they are young.
“Cooking allows you to control what you put in your food,” Ketterick said. “In our fast-paced society, we rely on fast foods and processed quick meals that are full of preservatives, fillers and sodium.
“We need to eat whole foods, cooked fresh and packed with vegetables and fruits. It is so important for our health.”
Culinary demonstrations equip people with tools and skills to live healthier lives, Ketterick said.
“The culinary classes that we are providing here at the library provide the community with the skills needed to become successful home chefs,” she said.
The spiritual and physical component of health came together Sept. 7 at Lorain County Community College, 1005 Abbe Road in Elyria.
“We’re taking a look at our inner man, because we’re body, mind and spirit,” said Pastor Norva Ross, director of Pathways Enrichment Center, 2505 N. Leavitt Road in Lorain. “This is the part that keeps us growing and going.”
Pastor VaNessa Young, of Point of Grace Ministries, 6892 Lake Ave. in Elyria, said healing only can happen when each area of a person is treated.
The second session for the Pathways 2 Wholeness Bible Study will take place at 7 p.m., Oct. 5, in room ST-211 of the LCCC Spitzer Center.
Ross said she’s excited to see the rest of the program unfold.
“We can dream big and take charge of our health,” she said.
For more information, visit Pathways Enrichment Center online.