Downtown Market's "Cook For A Cause" program benefits community non-profits

Beginning this month, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market’s new “Cook for a Cause” program offers a culinary philanthropic opportunity to take a class, make a meal and lend a hand.

Private and corporate event groups can work directly with chefs in the Downtown Market Teaching Kitchen to create a healthy and delicious “one-pan” dinner, which will then be assembled and delivered directly to those in need throughout the community via a non-profit Market partner of the group’s choice. Non-profit groups include Degage Ministries, HQ, Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, Family Promise and YWCA West Central Michigan Sojourner House.

“Our established community partnerships and teaching kitchen facilities give us a unique opportunity to host these interactive cooking experiences that also help feed our community,“ said Mimi Fritz, president and CEO of the Downtown Market. “The Market is working to create a healthier community, and we hope others will join us in our mission to help nourish those who are facing challenges.”

While the group prepares a meal for the non-profit of their choice, the chef prepares the same dish for them. Focused on healthy and hearty food, “Cook for a Cause” menus include Moroccan chicken with chickpeas, pasta bakes, enchiladas and stir fry vegetables. When the group is finished cooking, they can take a break to enjoy the meal prepared for them by the chef. Recipe cards are included along with the donated meals so the group as well as partner families and recipients can replicate the dish again themselves.

Find more information on the program, visit the Downtown Market's "Cook for a Cause" page.