By Lydia Morin

Focus on Renewal is excited to launch their newest free program geared towards families, The Family Table. The program will promote a range of healthy habits for families. Participating families will leave the program with the skills and knowledge to sustain the healthy family practices they learn and take home some great cooking supplies and grocery store gift cards.  

FOR has partnered with Penn State Extension, Ohio Valley Hospital, Lane Construction and the Community Food Bank to bring this program to McKees Rocks and it was all made possible by a very generous donation of a fully equipped Teaching Kitchen in the Ryan Arts Center by Massey Charitable Trust.

Starting September 19th, 2016, two local families will participate in the first round of the program.  The Family Table, though free, is absolutely a commitment.  Families who make a reservation are committing to one week of four days in a row (Monday-Thursday) learning how to plan, shop for and safely prepare nutritious meals and enjoy them together as a family.They will also get to eat these four meals together, practicing the art of conversation and bonding as a family.  “We could almost call it a bootcamp for healthy living for families,” said Laura Randolph, one of the grantwriters for the program.

The first round of reservations for The Family Table are being made through the Ryan Art’s front desk’s Marsha Mayhak, by either calling 412-331-1685 ext. 310 or emailing with her at mmayhak@forstorox.org.  She will be able to answer all questions about the program and whether families qualify. You can find more about The Family Table at www.forstorox.org/familytable.