Local Matters works to increase access to healthy foods and provide effective food education in partnership with community organizations, schools, healthcare systems, and churches at over 100 sites in Ohio. It provides year-round culinary and food education programming to children, teens, and families. After graduating from these programs, it is important that participants have the basic cooking utensils they need to cook efficiently and safely at home, and a lack of proper equipment can be a significant barrier.

Your support for this Better Together project provided kitchen starter kits for Local Matters program graduates. Kits included chef’s knives, high-quality vegetable peelers, cutting boards, and food storage containers. In addition to kitchen starter kits, donations provided program graduates with vouchers to access fresh and affordable take-home groceries from its Veggie Van, which brings convenient food access to neighborhoods where full-service grocery stores are limited. Thank you for helping Local Matters build healthier communities and positive food habits.

We are Better Together!

"As a chef, I understand how important it is to have high-quality equipment in the kitchen, especially when starting out. Basic knife safety boils down to awareness, some minor techniques, and the proper equipment. A sharp knife makes preparing vegetables and other whole foods much easier and so much safer. Your support will ensure that all of our graduates have the kitchen tools they need to practice their skills at home and develop the confidence they need." 

—​​Korir Russell-Patton, Executive Chef

"I got to cook a full lasagna and some green beans for my family. That was a really wonderful experience because I got to learn a whole lot, and improve my skills with cutting with a knife." 

—Daniel, Food Matters for Families Program Graduate