12 Mar Teach and Taste Program Brings Community Together Through Healthy Cooking
K-State Research and Extension’s McPherson County office has been running its Teach and Taste program since January 2023. The program was created to give community members the opportunity to learn about healthy meals through an interactive, hands-on experience. Each session features a dish that is both nutritious and affordable, helping participants recreate the recipes in their own kitchens.
Since its launch, the program has drawn steady interest from the community. Attendance has grown from just nine participants at the first session to more than 40 people attending monthly. However, with budget cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at the end of 2025, the long-term future of the program has become uncertain.
In December 2025, the McPherson County Community Foundation awarded K-State Research and Extension McPherson County a $10,000 grant from the Larry Wedel Community Health Fund. The funding helps cover educator time and food costs, allowing the program to continue while remaining free for participants. When SNAP funding was eliminated, the grant also made it possible to retain Health and Wellness program assistant Tamme Lackey, who has been involved with the program since its beginning.
“A central goal of the program is to ensure that all residents have access to practical nutrition education and cooking skills,” said Chuck Laughlin, McPherson County Family and Community Wellness and Community Vitality agent. “By removing financial barriers, the program creates an environment where anyone can participate, learn and build confidence in the kitchen.”
Laughlin also noted that the program’s structure preserves dignity for participants. No income information is requested, and no one feels embarrassed about attending. The program is open to everyone, with participants ranging from young children to individuals in their 80s.
One group of regular participants, made up largely of retirees, shared that living on a fixed income can limit opportunities for social and educational activities. For them, Teach and Taste provides both.
“A lot of seniors can’t afford to do things like this,” one participant said. “It being free allows all of us to attend this as a social event.”
“We keep bringing a new person to each session because food is so universal to friends and family. It really brings us all together.”
Two young adults also shared that the program gives them a chance to experiment with cooking without needing to buy unfamiliar ingredients or equipment themselves.
“We’ve found some dishes that are easy to make and healthy that we like,” one participant said. “We cook a big batch and freeze it so we can eat it throughout the week.”
For others, the hands-on format makes the experience especially valuable.
“This is the first hands-on opportunity like this that I’ve found in the county,” one attendee said. “Being able to actually make the food really enhances the learning experience.”
At the latest session, participants prepared spanakopita, a traditional Greek dish made with spinach, onions and cheese. Each person contributed, whether preparing the filling, assembling the pastries or organizing trays for baking.
The evening, filled with conversation, laughter and learning, ended the same way each session does: with the group sharing a meal together.
Laughlin estimates that current funding will allow the program to continue for about seven more months. Extension staff are actively searching for additional funding sources to keep the program going beyond that point.
“Ultimately, the goal is simple but powerful: everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to prepare healthy food and build life skills that support a better future.” Laughlin said.
Want to learn more about how you can help Teach and Taste? Contact the Foundation at 620-245-9070 or Info@McPhersonFoundation.org