Classes Connect Cultural Heritage and Healthy Eating

BOSTON, January 16, 2018 — Food and nutrition nonprofit Oldways will celebrate Black History Month across the Boston area by more than doubling its number of popular A Taste of African Heritage (ATOAH) community cooking classes. The free classes headline the Oldways African Heritage & Health program’s activities throughout February to encourage diners to discover the enticing flavors and naturally healthy features of African heritage cuisine.

“Participating in A Taste of African Heritage programming is a meaningful and enjoyable way to honor Black History Month. It is a time to learn about and honor the foodways of African ancestors, and for folks to reflect on their own unique family traditions. It is also a chance to slow down and savor a healthy home-cooked meal with loved ones,” said Johnisha Levi, Oldways’ African Heritage & Health program manager.

A total of five Boston-area classes are scheduled:

  • January 25 – March 1 | Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. | Community Servings, 18 Marbury Terrace, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
  • February 7 – March 14 | Wednesdays, 6 – 8 p.m. | The Daily Table – The Teaching Kitchen, 450 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02124
  • February 10 – March 17 | Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Boston Public Library – Egleston Square Branch, 2044 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury, MA 02119
  • February 13 – February 15 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Boston Medical Center Demonstration Kitchen (demos for patients and staff), 850 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
  • February 26 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | The KITCHEN at Boston Public Market, operated by The Trustees, 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108

ATOAH brings the African Heritage Diet Pyramid to life, showing participants how to eat and cook healthfully, traditionally, and enjoyably through hands-on experience. It addresses health disparities in African-American communities by teaching participants to adopt healthy eating habits based on the traditional foods of the African diaspora.

Since 2012, more than 2,500 students have participated in a total of 250 ATOAH classes nationwide. The results:

  • 62% of students have lost weight
  • 30% have reduced blood pressure
  • 53% have lost inches from their waist

The majority of students also report sustaining the positive lifestyle changes taught in the class, such as eating more plant-based foods and cooking at home.

About Oldways 

Oldways is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health via traditional eating choices. They offer educational programs and recipes based on cultural heritage, the goodness of whole grains, and the practices of traditional cheese-making. Find out more at http://www.oldwayspt.org.

For press inquiries and more information, contact: media@oldwayspt.org

###