Nutrition can be easy and delicious, and we can show you how!
Beginning in May, join us at the Monroe County Public Library on the fourth Saturday of each month and cook with a volunteer Chef, learn how to create a summer meal plan, and have fun with your kids while learning all about healthy eating! This series is open to all ages 8 & up.
These classes are FREE, which are made possible through an Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) grant and in partnership with the Monroe County Public Library.
Savor summer one bite at a time!: Summer Meal Planning & Dietary Guidelines Review
Saturday, MAy 25th, 3–4pm
Summertime is around the corner and budgeting for meals can be a challenge, and we can help you find your inner peas! During this class, you will learn some strategies to help you stick to your budget and still have delicious meals and a nutritious diet. We will go over the Dietary Guidelines and provide you with ways to meal plan and prep for the summertime. We will also provide you with additional resources that are available in the summer that can help supplement your spending. This class will be lead by Anitra Higgins, Bloomingfoods Co-op Market SNAP Program Manager.
The capacity for this event is 50-100 and childcare will be available. Registration is required.
Nutrition Mission!: Nutritional Grocery Shopping (for kids)
Saturday, June 22nd, 3–4pm
Bring your children for a fun game in grocery shopping on a budget! This game will help teach children what goes into planning for a grocery shopping trip. This class will have fun exercises and timed competitions to see who can get the most out of their budget. On top of the fun game we will also talk about different snacks that can be delicious and nutritious alternatives while still staying within budget. This class will be lead by Anitra Higgins, Bloomingfoods Co-op Market SNAP Program Manager.
The capacity for this event is 50-100. Registration is required and will open at a later date! More information on how to register is coming soon!
Cultures Around the World: Exploring Food Traditions (for kids)
Saturday, July 27th, 3–4pm
Bring your children to explore food traditions from American, Asian, and African cultures. We will discuss the history of food in these cultures and what it looks like to eat healthy and still follow these food traditions. We will also discuss the food traditions that we have within our own families and how important it is to eat foods that bring a sense of comfort and happiness while also being healthy. This class will be lead by Anitra Higgins, Bloomingfoods Co-op Market SNAP Program Manager.
The capacity for this event is 50-100. Registration is required and will open at a later date! More information on how to register is coming soon!
Nutritious can also be delicious!: Cooking with Bloomingfoods
Saturday, August 24th, 3–4:30pm
Learn how to make a delicious and nutritious chicken dish and dinner salad! These dishes can be prepared in an hour or slow-cooked throughout the day to be ready for dinner. In addition to learning how to prepare two dishes, you will also learn tips on how to double the recipes and nutrition facts to show you that nutritious can also be delicious! Please bring your own to-go container if you would like to take food home with you.
Menu: Chicken Cacciatore and Soy-Ginger Dinner Salad with Tuna
The kitchen capacity if 12 people (8 years old and up). Registration is required and will open at a later date! More information on how to register is coming soon!
Nutritious can also be delicious!: Cooking with Bloomingfoods
Saturday, September 28th, 3–4:30pm
Learn how to make a delicious and nutritious ratatouille and vegetarian paella!! These dishes can be prepared in an hour and contain a medley of veggies for all the vegetable lovers. In addition to learning how to prepare two dishes, you will also learn tips on how to double the recipes and nutrition facts to show you that nutritious can also be delicious! Please bring your own to-go container if you would like to take food home with you.
Menu: Garlic Basil Ratatouille and Vegetarian Paella
The kitchen capacity if 12 people (8 years old and up). Registration is required and will open at a later date! More information on how to register is coming soon!
Nutritious can also be delicious!: Cooking with Bloomingfoods
Saturday, October 26th, 3–4:30pm
Learn how to make a delicious and nutritious kielbasa and rice! These dishes can be prepared in an hour and will warm you right up. In addition to learning how to prepare this dish, you will also learn tips on how to double the recipe and nutrition facts to show you that nutritious can also be delicious! Please bring your own to-go container if you would like to take food home with you.
Menu: Kielbasa and Rice
The kitchen capacity if 12 people (8 years old and up).
Registration is required and will open at a later date! More information on how to register is coming soon!
Check out the delicious, budget friendly recipes that pair with our Co-op Basics products!
Our Co+op Basics program offers everyday low pricing on over 200 popular, affordable pantry and household staples. Our high quality selection includes a wide variety of organic, non-GMO, and humanely raised items, the building blocks for hearty and nutritious meals and day-to-day living.
Additional Information
Monroe County Public Library Southwest Branch
890 W. Gordon Pike
Bloomington, IN 47403
Map & Parking
812-349-3110
Bus Routes to the library:
The current bus routes will not drop you off directly at the southwest library.
The 7 route (yellow) will take you out near the library
Trips will take 50mins - 1hr & 30mins
Learn how you can double your SNAP dollars and save yet another 20% on SNAP eligible products at our stores!
The SNAP Double Dollars Program & Nutrition Made Easy with Bloomingfoods series is made possible through an Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) grant.
About the IDOH grant
The Health Innovation Partnerships and Programs Division (HIPP) at the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) supports partnerships that improve Indiana's health outcomes in marginalized communities by providing sustainable funding, technical assistance, and quality assurance insights through measurable data tracking.
The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is offering grant funding supported through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to fund entities within the State of Indiana to implement programs focused on addressing health issues and challenges within Indiana. These funds must be used to develop and implement services focused on increasing health outcomes and preventing and/or reducing the prevalence of one or more of the following priority areas: tobacco use prevention, food insecurity/obesity, lead exposure, chronic disease (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and cancer) and public health prevention programs (community paramedicine, community health workers/patient navigators). Grants will be effective for a minimum 24-month period with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2023.
Data Privacy Statement
Data being collected by Bloomingfoods Co-op Market for the use of the Indiana Department of Health’s “Health Issues and Challenges Grant” does not require an individual to disclose identifiable information or protected health information. Data reported to Indiana Department of Health is aggregated to ensure that any services being provided to the community are equitable, sustainable, meeting grant guidelines, and adhering to the mission and vision of the Indiana Department of Health. For further questions about data usage please contact: healthissuesandchallenges@health.in.gov.