Cooking up wellness: Gainesville chapter partners with MLK Jr. Commission of Florida for ‘Chefin’ with The Links’
Incorporated, prepared an international-inspired healthy snack mix featuring granola, almonds, dried fruit, and a touch of chocolate, giving youth and other residents practical experience in making nutritious choices.
Press release from The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (GCLI) partnered with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Florida on this year’s MLK, Jr. national holiday to host a dynamic installment of the Chefin’ with The Links program, the chapter’s signature childhood obesity prevention initiative serving families in Alachua County.
“Honoring Dr. King’s legacy calls us to action. By investing in the health of our children and supporting parents with practical knowledge, we are strengthening families and building a foundation for a healthier future in our community,” said Alena Lawson Bennett, president of the GCLI. “Chefin’ with The Links reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are and walking alongside them toward sustainable wellness.”
Now in its fifth year led by the Services to Youth facet, Chefin’ with The Links promotes healthy eating habits and lifestyle behaviors among Black youth and their families through hands-on cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, and family-centered wellness sessions. Hosted in trusted community spaces and housing developments, the program connects physical health, education, and long-term disease prevention.
This year’s MLK Day event blended learning with celebration. Chapter and alumna members prepared an international-inspired healthy snack mix featuring granola, almonds, dried fruit, and a touch of chocolate, giving youth and other residents practical experience in making nutritious choices. One Community Family Resource Center representatives shared healthy meal samples and reinforced strategies families can use at home. GCLI Members gave away books written by and about African Americans to participating students, from Pre-K to middle school.
Movement was equally important. Smooth Flava Line Dance, Gainesville Chapter, led an interactive demonstration that engaged youth, including Project Manhood participants, and families in joyful physical activity.
This year, the chapter expanded partnerships, refreshed its culinary leadership, and strengthened outreach to enhance delivery while maintaining its core objectives: increasing nutrition knowledge, building practical skills, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and reducing obesity-related risk factors.
Chefin’ with The Links remains a powerful model of prevention in action.