Introducing the Brain Food Series: A New Initiative to Nourish Young Minds and Bodies at The Children’s Storefront

We are excited to announce a groundbreaking addition to our programming at The Children’s Storefront: the Brain Food Series. This new initiative, launched in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian’s CHALK Program, is designed to support local families by focusing on the crucial role of nutrition in brain development. Thanks to a generous grant and the expertise of a Community Nutritionist provided by our partner, this series promises to be a transformative resource for families in Harlem.

What is the Brain Food Series?

The Brain Food Series is a comprehensive program with two main components aimed at supporting early childhood brain development through nutrition and community engagement.

1. Brain Food Workshops

The first component of the series is the Brain Food Workshops, which will be held monthly. These interactive, hands-on sessions are designed to educate families about the importance of early childhood nutrition and how to use mealtimes as opportunities to nurture and support brain development.

Here’s what families can look forward to:

• Cooking Demonstrations: Each workshop features live cooking demonstrations led by our Community Nutritionist. Parents and children will actively participate in preparing nutritious recipes together, learning about the ingredients that support cognitive growth and overall health.
• Interactive Learning: Parents and children will explore how to make healthy eating a fun and integral part of their daily routine. Caregivers have an opportunity to ask our Community Nutritionist questions about topics such as introducing new foods, picky eaters, and more.
• Take-Home Food Kits: To ensure that families can put their new skills into practice, each participant will receive a box containing fresh produce and the ingredients used in the recipes. This allows families to recreate the healthy meals at home, reinforcing the lessons learned during the workshop.

2. Brain Food Markets

The second component of the series is the Brain Food Market, which will take place on six designated food distribution days throughout the year. These markets are designed to provide families with access to free, high-quality, fresh foods.

Here’s what families can expect:

• Free, Fresh Produce: On each distribution day, families can sign up to receive a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods at no cost. This helps ensure that all families have access to the nutrients needed for their children’s development.
• Additional Resources: We are collaborating with the West Side Campaign Against Hunger to help families learn about and sign up for food assistance, health insurance, and other public benefits.

3. Special Incentive: Kid-Friendly Cooking Kits

As an added incentive, families who participate in at least two Brain Food Workshops will receive a special kid-friendly cooking kit. This kit is designed to make family mealtimes even more enjoyable and educational, helping parents and children practice the skills learned in the workshops and bond over healthy cooking experiences.

The Brain Food Series is an exciting partnership that supports our mission. By focusing on nutrition and community support, we are providing families with the tools they need to foster healthy growth and development in their young children. We are so grateful to our partners, NewYork-Presbyterian and West Side Campaign Against Hunger, for making this program possible!