Pleasanton Library's After-School Snacks Class is a Hit with Kids

Kids that spend time at the Pleasanton Public Library after school waiting for their parents to pick them up are enjoying a new monthly program that shows them how easy and fun it is to make healthy snacks. Plus there's lots of sampling that keep kids fueled until dinner.

On August 16 about 30 students and parents attended a class in the library's large meeting room on snacks featuring apples and granola. Kids learned about four different apples and what types of recipes they are well suited for, different types of sweeteners, and the importance of cleanliness and food safety. Kids also learned how to make a simple granola they can make at home using rolled oats, organic dried apples, honey and a little brown sugar. Kids helped measure and mix the ingredients.

This free program is a partnership between the Pleasanton Library, Pleasanton New Leaf Community Market and Pans on Fire cooking school based in Pleasanton. All foods are provided by New Leaf and all preparation is handled by chef instructors from Pans on Fire. The program is geared to pre-teens and teens but students of all ages and families are welcome to attend. The class meets the third Tuesday of each month from 3:30 pm – 5 pm through May 2017. (There will be no class in December due to the holidays.) Each snacks class has a different theme. On September 20, snacks and dips will be featured. Healthy Halloween treats and snacks will be the topic of October 18, and holiday side dishes on November 15.

“We have students coming to the library every day after school and we look to offer them 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 Teresa Parham, Pleasanton Library’s teen services librarian.

“I was happy to oblige when Teresa approached me with her concerns about the influx of kids who arrive at the library hungry and reach for unhealthy snacks,” said Noelle Blanco, marketing coordinator, Pleasanton New Leaf Community Market. “It’s a natural partnership with the library, given New Leaf’s involvement with the community and Pans on Fire’s 10-year history offering cooking classes and kitchenware to local residents,” Blanco added.

The library is located at 400 Old Bernal Ave, Pleasanton. Families can register 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. 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 recipes 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.