At Sustainable Food Center, we believe in fostering long-term health and wellness for all Texans. Our bilingual program, The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre®, offers free, culturally sustaining cooking and nutrition classes and provides valuable educational resources to communities facing obstacles accessing fresh, healthy food.
Savor the Flavors of Fresh Cooking
The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre® is a free, 6-week cooking and nutrition class series available in both English and Spanish.
Taught by trained peer facilitators who live and work in the communities they serve, our program is specifically designed for areas experiencing high rates of food insecurity and for those interested in managing chronic health conditions through nutrition.
Why Cooking Nutrition Matters
Food insecurity isn’t just about hunger—it’s linked to higher rates of chronic disease and increased costs. Many people struggle to maintain a healthy diet due to various barriers, including busy schedules, the high cost of nutritious foods, and limited access to quality options.
We are dedicated to breaking down these barriers. Our bilingual program, The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre®, offers free cooking and nutrition classes, serving communities with the knowledge and skills needed to make fresh, healthy eating more accessible and culturally grounded.
Cultivating Health through Food
Community-Focused Cooking Classes
Cooking on a Budget: Discover nourishing, budget-friendly recipes that make the most of your resources
Honoring Cultural Traditions: Stay rooted in your cultural traditions with familiar and nutritious ingredients and recipes
Using Seasonal Food: Learn to prepare meals using seasonal produce, making the most of what’s fresh and available
Accessible and Community-Focused: Prepare, share, and connect through food, with classes available in English and Spanish
A Supportive Learning Experience
Weekly Recipe Demonstrations: Watch and learn as we demonstrate recipes focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, nutritious grains, and lean protein
Groceries to Take Home: Practice weekly recipes at home with the groceries we provide, including local produce when available, to remember the skills you learn in class
Meaningful Peer Connections: Benefit from our peer-to-peer facilitators who teach the classes and share personal stories about how healthy eating works for them
Free Cookbook for Graduates: Receive a free copy of our cookbook, Fresh, Seasonal Recipes, featuring the dishes you’ve learned in class and many more
Classes for Your Health Goals
Cooking After Cancer: Learn to create meals that support recovery for those recovering from cancer—Caregivers are encouraged to attend
Nutrition for Diabetes: Acquire nutrition skills to manage and prevent diabetes—Caregivers are encouraged to attend
Coming Soon – A Class for Heart Health: Discover how to eat to prevent and manage heart disease, with practical tips and recipes
Sign Up for
Upcoming Classes
Ready to join us at The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre®? Visit our Events Calendar to find upcoming class series and register for the one that fits your schedule. We look forward to cooking with you!
Offer The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre in Your Community
Host The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre
We’ll Come to You: SFC organizes free classes for community partners throughout Central and West Texas
Host In Your Neighborhood: We hold classes within community centers, churches, schools, libraries, and other facilities in Central and West Texas
License The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre
Access the Curriculum: SFC licenses the The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre® curriculum to organizations outside of Central and West Texas
Customize the Classes: We provide support with adaptation of the curriculum to the needs and cultures of your community and training for facilitators
Resources
2024 Recent Report
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The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre’s Frittata
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