Nutritious Eating on a Budget

Mark Your Calendar - 1st Class in two days!!

First class: Nutritious Eating on a Budget to begin in two days! The Support Works program of the Elk Grove Food Bank is pleased to announce our “Nutritious Eating on a Budget” series of classes taught by our very own July Sala, Food Bank Case Manager.  We all know that ensuring nutritious meals for yourself and family can be challenging given our busy lives but it is even more challenging when one is on a limited income or budget. The purpose of the “Nutritious Eating on a Budget” is to provide concepts, tips and recipes while conducting interactive and hands-on demonstrations

Overview: Nutritious Eating on a Budget by Judy Sala

Each class has several hand-outs covering the topics of discussion, plus several healthy recipes and shopping tips. On the fourth week, we demonstrate cooking two of the recipes and get to sample the foods (a low cost, high protein main dish and a low-sugar, fruit-based dessert).

• Price: FREE
• Terms: First-come first serve, just show up!
• For More Information: Please contact Judy Sala, Elk Grove Food Bank Case Manager (916) 685-8453

Schedule of Classes

Classes are taught four Wednesdays in April from 10 AM – 11:30 AM at United Methodist Church (Lower Level Bartholomew Hall), 8986 Elk Grove Blvd (on the corner of Elk Grove Blvd. and Gage).

• Week One – April 9th “What’s Healthy?” – Overview of Food Basics; Healthy Food That Tastes Great (complete)
• Week Two – April 16th “Healthy Food” – Revising Recipes; Choosing Healthy Snacks; Special Dietary Needs (complete)
• Week Three – April 23rd “Healthy Shopping” – Smart Shopping (menu planning, using coupons etc.) for Cooking on a Budget
• Week Four – April 30th “Healthy Cooking” – What Needs to be Added to the Basics (spices, herbs, cooking tips); Cooking Demonstration; Sample a Healthy Meal; Certificates of Completion.

About the Instructor – Judy Sala

Judy Sala is the Case Manager for the Elk Grove Food Bank, a nutritionist and local senior living facility chef. Her class curriculum is based on an adapted version of the USDA “Choose My Plate” Program.

About the Support Works Program of the Elk Grove Food Bank

Support Works is a program of the Elk Grove Food Bank. We offer programs designed to help individuals improve their current situation by providing job readiness and life skill classes to move toward self-sufficiency and financial independence.

GED Graduate

CONGRATULATIONS to our very first GED Graduate Kim Cao!!! He worked with Steve Shook from Elk Grove Adult Education from September 2012 and took and passed his test January 2013, also pictured Marie Jachino, Executive Director of EGFBS.

GED Preparation and ESL classes are held on Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. here at our facility on Dino Drive.  Food Bank clients may qualify for a fee waiver. 

For more information, click on the Support Works tab towards the top of the page. 

Support Works Reunion

Our Support Works program has been in operation for five years and we thought it was time for a reunion to catch up with clients and see what everyone was up to. 

 

Our volunteers started making calls to past clients.  We found that the majority were working or in school!  Many could not attend our reunion because of their work and academic commitments.  

 

We enjoyed each others company and were delighted with the further accomplishments made by our clients after graduation from Support Works. 

Originally Support Works was developed to help women out of the cycle of dependence on our services and work towards self-sufficiency.  We originally provided job readiness training, support group, and connection to community resources. 

Betty Hall, from our Board of Directors, attended to show her support for our Program.  Mary Ann Chappelle Program Manager, Betty Hall, Bobby Jordan, and Holly Taylor are Soroptimists.  The Sorportimists have provided monetary and volunteer support that has been essential for Program operations. 

Some of our graduates took time off from work to attend.  We were touched by their devotion to our Program.  Many of these graduates happily return as volunteers and help us at events and specialized work days. 

Marcie and Bill



After a couple of years of operation, we started to include men in our Program.  Bill was one of our first male clients. 

 

Support Works has extended our services to include: 

 

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday:  Caseworker is available by appointment

Monday thru Friday:  Information and Referral

Tuesday:  Job Readiness Training by appointment

Tuesday and Wednesday:  Help navigating Public Assistance Programs by appointment

Wednesday:  ESL and GED Preparation Distance Learning Classes

Please call at 916-685-8453 for appointment or more info. 

 

 

Support Works - a program provided by Elk Grove Food Bank Services

9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140

Elk Grove, CA  95624

916-685-8453

 

Brown Thumb Mama @ EGFBS

Popular local blogger, Pam Farley, from Brown Thumb Mama will have a workshop at our Life Skills Training.  Pam has all kinds of tips and recipes to help us enjoy good health and nutrition while living a thrifty life.  Recently on her blog she shared a recipe for crockpot spaghetti sauce (something to make with all the tomatoes from the garden) that is very tasty.

I use the recipes for Homemade Granola Bars and Laundry Detergent.  My family likes to think up flavor combinations for the granola bars:  mango pineapple and freeze-dried raspberry white chocolate are our favorites.  I tried the laundry detergent to see how it works, and it does the job at half the cost of the store brand I used to buy. 

Pam will teach us how to make our own cleaning products at the workshop on Thursday, August 9, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.  The workshop will be held at our facility on 9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140.  The event is free and open to the public. 

Making Your Own Cleaning Products Workshop
Thursday, August 9, 2012, 10:00 a.m.
9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140, Elk Grove, CA  95624
Workshop is free and open to the public

A Visit During Her Summer Break

Shobie attended our Support Works Program a few sessions ago.  She worked on and through different issues during her time with us.  After Shobie completed Job Readiness and Life Skill classes, she volunteered at our Front Desk answering phones and providing clients with information.  I think while she was helping us at Elk Grove Food Bank Services, she was figuring out how and what to do next in her life to work toward her goals. 

Shobie decided to attend Cosumnes River College.  She has completed two semesters.  Today Shobie came in to visit and update us on her progress.  We were not aware of her artistic interests and talent; she told us about her enjoyment and success in recent classes in Printmaking and Ceramics and declaring her major in Art. 

We found out that jobs are available to those who attend CRC.  As a Teacher's Assistant in the day care center on campus, Shobie enjoys her job interacting with and caring for the youngest ones on campus. It is her hope to combine these two interests, art and children, and be able to teach and share with children her love of the Arts.

We are so happy and proud of Shobie, and her pursuit of education in an area that she is excited about.

Support Works
Job Readiness Training - Tuesdays, 10:00a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Life Skills Classes - Thursdays, 10:00a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
GED Prep and ESL Classes - Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140
Elk Grove, CA  95624
916-685-8453

Financial Lessons

 

We will have a workshop on how to improve your financial situation at our Life Skills Training, Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.  

Learn how to work toward your financial goals with a budget, find out what businesses are out there to take advantage of you, and see what changes you can make in your lifestyle that can save you money. 

Support Works

Job Readiness Training - Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

GED Prep and ESL Classes - Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Life Skills Training - Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140

Elk Grove, CA  95624

916-685-8453

Resumes, References, and Stress

Tuesday, May 15, at 10:00 a.m. our Employment Specialist will be working on resumes and references.  Glean the insight of her past work in Human Resources.  Learn how to adjust your resume to what employers are looking for.

Thursday, May 17, at 10:00 a.m.we will have a speaker on Stress and Depression.  How to recognize the signs and what to do about it. 

"I am glad I took the time to tear myself away from the daily grind to attend Support Works!" a recent client stated. 

Have the courage and recognition to take action and improve your current situation. 

Support Works
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.
9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140
Elk Grove, CA  95624
916-685-8453

Another Support Works Success!

It is off to work today for our latest success story.  "D" has been coming to Support Works for a few sessions, honing her resume, practicing her interview skills, and researching local companies. 

"D" stopped by yesterday to tell us about her new job.  We knew she would land a wonderful job soon, it was only a matter of time.  She thanked us for the support.  It was inspiring to watch "D" work diligently toward her goal. 

"D" worked closely with our Employment Specialist and made changes to her resume and her approach in her job hunt.  Having the insight of our Employment Specialist's experience in Human Resources - learning what the person doing the hiring is looking for - was key to "D's" success. 

Our Employment Specialist is available to help you work towards employment:  Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.

Support Works
Job Readiness Training
Tuesdays, 10:00  a.m.
9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140
Elk Grove, CA  95624
916-685-8453

Support Works - What's on Schedule?

 

This Tuesday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m., our Employment Specialist will present information about Job Skills.  Many of us have special skills and talents that we overlook when building our resume.  Learn how to evaluate your employment, education and interests to reveal the valuable skills you possess.  

On Thursday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m., we will have a speaker talk about Strengths and Passion.  Tying our employment with areas about which we are strong and enthusiastic can make work seem like play.  Come and learn how to discover your strengths and passions. 

Support Works

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140

Elk Grove, CA  95624

916-685-8453