After-School Snacks Class a Hit for Pleasanton Kids

On Tuesday, September 20 afternoon, about two dozen Pleasanton elementary and middle school students crowded around Pans on Fire Chef Sarah as she demonstrated how to prepare several easy-to-make, kid-friendly, healthy dips and snacks. The students looked on as a few of their peers helped with the measuring and mixing. During the class they learned about the health benefits of the various ingredients used including alternatives to refined sugar, and the importance of cleanliness and food safety in the kitchen. The students’ favorite part of the class was sampling all of the tasty recipes!

The Pleasanton Public Library hosts this interactive, monthly program typically in their large meeting room on the third Tuesday of every month from 3:30 pm – 5 pm. Launched in August, the demonstration classes are free and geared to middle school students, but all age students and their parents are welcome.

The idea for the program started with Teresa Parham, Pleasanton Public Library’s teen services senior librarian. She approached fellow P-Town Life member New Leaf Community Market, located at 3550 Bernal Ave, Pleasanton, and shared her concern about the influx of kids who arrive at the library after school hungry and reach for unhealthy snacks. New Leaf’s marketing coordinator Noelle Blanco got together with Pans on Fire, a local company that gives a monthly food demonstration at New Leaf, and “Try It After-School Snacks Class” was created. New Leaf provides all of the ingredients and Pans on Fire chefs prepare all of the food and lead each class.

“It’s a natural partnership with the library given New Leaf’s involvement with the community, Pans on Fire’s 10-year history offering cooking classes and kitchenware to local residents, and the shared value of supporting the health and well-being of our community,” said Blanco. “It’s our goal to offer students a positive and productive experience. I am excited to be partnering with New Leaf and Pans on Fire to share with these young library patrons some fun and healthy snack recipes that they can sample at the library and then make at home,” said Parham.

The next class on October 18 will feature healthy Halloween-themed snacks, and holiday side dishes will be the focus on November 15. The program will resume in January through the end of the school year. Students and families can register to attend at www.newleaf.com/events and walk-ins are welcome.

Families can enjoy more advanced, seasonal cooking demonstrations by Pans on Fire at the Pleasanton New Leaf every month with the exception of December. These demonstrations are typically held on the third Wednesday of the month, the day after the library snacks program, from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Lists of recipe ingredients that can be found at New Leaf are provided by Pans on Fire, making it easy for families to answer the question, “what’s for dinner tonight?”

About New Leaf Community Markets
A natural grocery company with seven stores including 3550 Bernal Ave, Pleasanton, New Leaf has been serving Northern California communities for over 30 years. New Leaf is committed to offering customers choices that have the most beneficial impact on their health and the health of the environment. Helping customers make informed decisions is an integral part of this commitment. A wholly owned subsidiary of New Seasons Market since November 2013, New Leaf is the first grocer in California to achieve B Corporation certification, which means that New Leaf uses the power of business to solve social and economic problems. New Leaf’s mission, to nourish and sustain our community, is reflected in the 10 percent of profits given annually to support local nonprofits working to improve the quality of life. www.newleaf.com.

About Pans on Fire
Pans On Fire is a store full of ideas, the right tools for the job and knowledgeable support so customers can create great culinary experiences. Pans on Fire offers a complete array of cookware, bakeware, gourmet foods and more, plus public and private cooking classes for people of all ages. They also offer corporate events for team building and customer appreciation. Pans on Fire is located at 3059-JK Hopyard Road in Pleasanton. www.pansonfire.com.