Food partnership benefits all ages

Back by popular demand following the summer children’s program at the Iberia Parish Library, is “A Recipe for Fun.”

What started as a pizza cooking summer workshop for children has grown to be a monthly activity for families with children ages 4 to 12. At the conclusion of the workshop, the program coordinator asked if anyone wanted to have a another cooking class and all of the children raised their hands.

“I told them, ‘Make sure you guys write on your evaluation sheets what you want to see us do next. What you put on suggestions and comments, we’ll work to see it happen,’ ” said Sami Haggood community relations director at Iberia Parish Library. “About 12 children made comments and we knew we had a sound idea.”

“I think this is a wonderful program and we look forward to coming when we can,” said Vinetta Hoffpauir who has attended both fall cooking nights. “Saydi loves to cook and does this at home.”

Haggood said they all wanted “Ms. Mandy” back. Mandy Armentor is the area nutrition agent for the Vermilion and Iberia Parish Extension Service. LSUAg Center jumped on it, he said. Sarah Boatman, children’s librarian, is the coordinator for the event.

September was the first time they met. All 25 registrants were in attendance, plus a few more, Boatman said at the event which missed being publicized in the newsletter. The program was initiated after it went to press.

At the September event, families made hummus from garbanzo beans and fruit salsa that included avocados, the fruit considered to be a vegetable. Armentor said families don’t know what they’re going to make until they arrive. It’s a new experience for everyone to try something new.

“This is the only workshop where both parents and children come together. They teamed up with other families to collaborate on the dishes being prepared,” Haggood said.

Child-friendly utensils are provided by LSUAg Center including kid approved knives for peeling, rubber cutting boards and colorful measuring cups. Multiple ages, generations and races all work together for a tasty outcome within the hour activity.

Last night Armentor showed the class how to clean the seeds from pumpkins being carved for Halloween, then how to roast them. They also prepared the Pocket Pear Pies but sent the bread recipes home for more family interaction.

When asked what she would say to other children considering the course, Trinity Fontenette, 9, said, “It’s really awesome. You may want to try it.” Her mother, Melanie Fontenette, likes the opportunity to meet new people.

“We were looking to do something together,” Brandy Rogers said about her daughter Hollen, 10, their first time at the event.

The monthly program is for children ages 4-12 and their parents or other adult supervisors. It is sponsored by the LSUAg Center and the Friends of the Library.

To join in the fun from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10 and Dec. 15 at St. Peter Branch Library, call 364-7670 or visit www.iberialibrary.org. To register, click on the calendar and on “A Recipe for Fun.”

Registration is required to provide the appropriate amount of ingredients, especially since this is a popular program.

Veteran at the Helm

Armentor has been advising homemakers, professionals and children through the LSUAg Center for 12 years. In addition to supervising the Sugar Cookery at the annual Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival, she is involved with Smart Bodies, an interactive program through the LSUAg Center in cooperation with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation.

“We’re teaching children how to prevent obesity and how to have positive behavior toward food,” Armentor said. “The program is also closely associated with the Drug Free programs in their schools.”

Advising both children and parents is also part of her work with programs affiliated with the District Attorney’s office, Boys and Girls Clubs as well as the public library programs. She serves both Iberia and Vermilion Parishes and assists with area 4-H health and nutrition instruction.

“We started with adults,” Armentor said, “but realized working with both parents and children was most beneficial.”