Stacie Archer understands how challenging it can be for families on a budget to enjoy healthy, affordable meals. At one point in her life, she had to find ways for her three children to have low-cost, highly nutritious meals. So when Stacie heard young families in Verde Gardens had the same challenges she once had, it inspired her to share recipes for success.
Once a month, Stacie hosts an online cooking program, Cooking Healthy Enjoyable Food (CHEF) for families in Verde Gardens, a permanent, supportive housing community with 145 units in Homestead operated by Camillus House. Thanks to generous sponsors, the families receive all the ingredients, portioned, packaged and delivered by volunteers, prior to the class.
“God has called on us to serve, and I feel blessed to be able to show families, especially the young children, how to cook healthy meals on a very limited budget,” Stacie said. She added, “The cooking classes are so popular we have a waiting list. With support from organizations, companies and individuals, we can help more families.”
For one global nonprofit faith-based organization, Mercy Worldwide, the decision to sponsor a CHEF class and volunteer to deliver the ingredients to families was as easy as a piece of cake—healthy carrot cake that is!
Mercy Worldwide Coordinator in Miami Christina Cyprien Dryden said “Our contributions to the Verde Gardens CHEF program are an in investment in enabling people to enjoy healthier meals, regardless of income. We look forward to sponsoring a class and volunteering again.”
Thank you to Mercy Worldwide volunteers. And heartfelt thanks to our very special Stacie Archer. Her inspiration for the CHEF program and her motivational monthly classes are making a positive impact in the health and wellbeing of residents in Verde Gardens.