Cooking for Health Academy Program
Alameda County Nutrition Services has partnered with community organizations to provide 
nutrition knowledge, food safety awareness, and cooking techniques by offering the Cooking for Health Academy (C4HA) since 2011. 2021 marks our 10th anniversary year!
The goal is to educate and inform the community members on the benefits of taking action to increase fruit and vegetable intake and decrease sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. C4HA is designed for those who may have limited time and/or funds to learn and practice ways to provide healthful meals for themselves and their families.
The C4HA emphasizes the importance of healthy eating, shopping for fresh produce, safe food preparation practices and offers actual cooking skills through a United States Department of Agriculture-approved, hands-on, engaging curriculum.
The C4HA is a series of six, two-hour classes. Each class has four components:
- Nutrition Education
- Food Safety
- Culinary Skill Techniques
- Practice Session and Recipe Tasting
Cooking for Health Academy Workbooks are offered in English and Spanish. Classes are held safely and can be conducted virtually and/or in-person pending public health safety measures.
Class topics include MyPlate with details about a balanced, healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fiber, protein sources, and healthy fats plus tips for reducing sodium and sugar. Participants who graduate from the Cooking for Health Academy and complete at least five of the six classes are eligible to take the California Food Handler Certification test, all expenses paid!
The Cooking for Health Academy takes place throughout the year in Alameda County. For more information, email Dale Murai or call 510-268-4221.