EMPWR Arizona Hosts First Youth Cooking Class at Tonatierra

Last night was a milestone for EMPWR Arizona—we held our very first youth cooking class at Tonatierra! Together with our students, parents, volunteers, and our chef, we prepared and shared a delicious recipe rooted in Indigenous tradition: Three Sisters Soup, made with corn, beans, and squash.

The class was a huge success. At the end, our young chefs shared that they now want to incorporate squash into their diets - sounds like success to me!

This class also highlighted our first Healthy Eating Habit Tip: Community. Studies show that eating meals with family and friends leads to healthier food choices and less “mindless eating.” Last night, we put that tip into practice. At the end of class, everyone gathered around the table to enjoy the soup together, reminding us that healthy eating is not just about the food on the plate, but about the connections made around the table.

We’re just getting started, but nights like these remind us why EMPWR Arizona exists: to build healthier futures by reconnecting with Indigenous foods and traditions and building community along the way.

Want to try the recipe at home? https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/three-sisters-soup