In 1992, SPAN's Executive Director read an article about Community Kitchens. SPAN established the concept in Newfoundland. Margaret Harnum was the first facilitator. In a Community Kitchens project, 4-5 people get together to plan, shop, and cook large batches of several nutritious, heart healthy recipes. Sponsors match this money, which makes Community Kitchens a social investment.
Sponsors feel good about helping people who are helping themselves.
The orientation is where people start talking about their Community Kitchen. Most Kitchens cook for about 12 people. Planning day is when members decide what they will cook and what they need to buy. People use the Eat to Your Heart's Content cookbook. They also bring in whatever other recipes they want.