Children learning to chop vegetables and prep meals firsthand in South Florida are part of a broader push by the nonprofit EatWell Exchange to make nutritious eating affordable and culturally familiar, according to dietitian and co-founder Ashley Carter. Since 2017, the organization has reached more than 80,000 participants through free cooking classes designed to break down financial and social barriers to healthy food.
Tackling Chronic Disease Through Kitchen Education
For Ashley Carter, who grew up in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood, teaching children basic culinary skills is rooted in personal history. According to Carter, both of her parents lived with diabetes, and her mother passed away from diabetes-related complications when Carter was in high school. That experience inspired her to launch EatWell Exchange after becoming a registered dietitian.
The core philosophy of the nonprofit focuses on keeping cultural foods and familiar flavors at the center of the plate rather than pushing restrictive diets. During a recent South Florida class, young participants gathered to prepare lemon pepper chicken and fresh vegetables. According to participant Lyric Bailey, learning to make the meal firsthand changed her view of healthy options, noting that it tastes good and is good for you.
Did You Know?
According to data from EatWell Exchange, children who take an active role in cooking their own food are 75% more likely to actually eat it.
Community Partnerships and Campaign Support
The recent youth cooking session formed part of Local 10’s Food for Thought campaign, held during Hunger Action Month in September. Grocery chain Publix supplied the ingredients for the children’s lesson, while company volunteers rolled up their sleeves to prep and cook alongside the kids.
According to Publix Media Relations Manager Lindsey Willis, understanding the nutritional value of different foods needs to start at a young age so children grasp what they are eating. Carter emphasizes that these early lessons provide practical life skills designed to protect entire families for generations to come.
Expanding Access Through Dedicated Spaces
While EatWell Exchange currently relies on mobile programming—bringing classes directly into local schools, churches, and community spaces—leadership has longer-term ambitions. Carter outlines a vision to establish a permanent teaching kitchen where community members can gather regularly to prepare meals and expand their nutrition education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EatWell Exchange?
EatWell Exchange is a South Florida-based nonprofit founded in 2017 that offers free cooking classes to children, adults, and seniors, teaching them how to prepare affordable, culturally familiar, and nutritious meals.
Who founded EatWell Exchange?
The organization was co-founded by Ashley Carter, a registered dietitian and wellness educator who grew up in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood.
How many people has the nonprofit reached?
According to EatWell Exchange figures, the organization has reached more than 80,000 people across South Florida through community events, church programs, and school workshops.
What was the Food for Thought campaign?
The Food for Thought campaign is a Local 10 initiative held during Hunger Action Month in September that highlights community nutrition efforts, supported by partners like Publix.
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