Introducing global recipes to kids

FINDLAY — A new program is introducing children to the world of international cuisine and cultures. Cooking Up Culture was launched to meet a growing need for family-centered, interactive learning opportunities that promote literacy, numeracy and healthy living, said Kristy Szkudlarek, Read for Life coordinator. The project is a collaboration between the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, SNAP-Ed, OSU Extension and local partners committed to building stronger, healthier communities. The initiative was made possible through a grant from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. "The idea was we wanted to give away books this summer at our Summer Connect events," she said. "And as I sit in here and listen to my students talk and learn about English and learn about everything, even my English speakers love talking food. So I thought that was a great way to connect everybody." Take-home kits, designed for preschoolers through eighth graders, include a copy of "Dumpling Day" or another age-appropriate multicultural cooking book; kid-friendly, culturally diverse recipes; measuring cups and spoons; and fun, age-appropriate activities that build reading, math and healthy eating habits, Szkudlarek said. "Cooking Up Culture is more than a kit — it's a tool to help families learn, cook and grow together," she said. "We wanted to create something that families could enjoy together — something that makes learning feel natural and joyful. This initiative connects reading and real-life skills in a way that's both fun and meaningful. It's about celebrating culture, building confidence and strengthening families." "Dumpling Day," by Meera Sriram, is for Pre-K through first grade, she said. It invites children to explore cultural traditions from around the world through the universal language of food. As families read together and follow simple recipes, children naturally practice early literacy and math skills like counting, measuring and sequencing — all while having fun. "At the back of the book, each one talks about dumplings from all over the world. So here in America, its apple dumplings. In Mexico, its tamales," she said. Recipes are included. "So folks can work on it, read it together, learn their numbers. The kids are working on math as well," said Szkudlarek, adding that editions of the book are available in English, Arabic, Mandarin, Haitian-Creole, Spanish and Portuguese. For older children, there are chapter books and graphic novels like "Anisa's International Day," "Tasty: A History of Yummy Experiments" and "Priya's Kitchen Adventures." There are also measuring cups and spoons. "Even if those Pre-K kids, those 5-year-olds are just picking it up and playing with Play-Doh with it, they're being introduced to the numbers, the volume, the size, the fractions," she said. Everything in the kit is theirs to keep. Szkudlarek said they also partnered with OSU Extension. The agency has provided materials and information about the Farmers Market and its Power of Produce (PoP)" program which provides tokens to children ages 4-15 to purchase local produce at the market, along with the My Plate concept of eating healthy, and food safety. Doty Dentist donated a toothbrush and toothpaste for each of the 400 kits as well, she said. "Again, just trying to have that connection with the parents, with the grandparents, as well as learning about different cultures, different foods," Szkudlarek said. Summer Connect will continue through July. These free, family-friendly gatherings are held in neighborhoods most impacted by poverty, food insecurity and health disparities. Connect events will be held June 24 – at The Family Center, 1800 N. Blanchard St.; July 8 – Emory Adams Park, 1827 S. Blanchard St.; July 10 – Riverside Park, 231 McManness Ave.; July 15 – YMCA's east branch, 1400 Manor Hill Road; and July 17 – Gateway Church, 620 N. Main St. All of the events are from 9 a.m. to noon. Children can play in the parks while their parents chat with local groups like NAMI, CASA, Women's Resource Center, Hancock Historical Museum, Help Me Grow, Children's Mentoring Connection and more, she said. "So our goal for Summer Connect was to get out there, get outside into the different neighborhoods around town, so even if the kids are home during the summer, than grandma can walk them over to the park and see us and they don't have to go too far," she said. "So that's the idea, as well as to give away free books." A survey is included in each bag. Szkudlarek said about 60 children and parents attended the event in West Park last week. "I already had two (surveys) back the next day," she said. "Parents said, we love it. We read the book last night. We can't wait to make a recipe." "I hope we have some international bakers and chefs by the end of the summer," she laughed.