At Givens Gerber Park, residents aren’t just learning about healthy eating; they’re experiencing it firsthand thanks to the Charlie Cart Project, a mobile teaching kitchen that’s transforming the way our community approaches food. This innovative cart is used for live cooking demonstrations, showing residents how to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals right at home.
What makes the Charlie Cart truly special is its mobility. It goes door to door, bringing the experience directly to residents. Our team members demonstrate how to use the cart and share practical tips for cooking with everyday ingredients. It’s more than a kitchen on wheels; it’s a tool for empowerment, helping residents gain confidence in creating meals that are both healthy and affordable.
The Charlie Cart was the vision of Cheryl Wallen, former Director of Givens LifeMinistries, who dreamed of a way to make healthy cooking accessible to everyone. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the support of the Givens Philanthropy Department, that dream became reality. Over $15,000 was raised to purchase this well-engineered mobile kitchen, proving the incredible impact philanthropy has on community outreach and resident well-being.
Partnerships make this project even stronger. Givens Affordable Communities collaborates with MANNA FoodBank to provide fresh ingredients for demonstrations. These ingredients are then used to teach residents how to turn pantry staples into delicious meals such as spaghetti, tofu tacos, and so much more. Each session is hands-on, giving participants the skills to replicate recipes at home and make healthier choices every day.
The excitement is palpable. Residents look forward to these events not just for the food but for the sense of connection and learning they bring. The Charlie Cart Project is more than a program; it’s a movement toward better health, stronger communities, and improved quality of life for all.