Operation Frontline Massachusetts
Providing nutrition-based cooking classes to low-income families since 1994
“Cooking Together for Health,” by Sasha Brown, Operation Frontline intern
Isaurinda and Evandro Cabral making cornbread muffins at a Side By Side class.
In America, the convenience of fast food wages a battle with mothers wanting their children to grow up healthy. For mother Isaurinda Cabral of Boston, America’s fast food phenomenon is a far cry from her native Cape Verde diet, one dominated by rice, corn and fish. Like most kids his age, Isaurinda’s 13 year-old son Evandro once preferred American fast-food to any other cuisine.
Evandro’s love for fast food caused him trouble early. About three years ago, Isaurinda took Evandro to get a physical where she learned that Evandro’s cholesterol was high. Isaurinda knew that if he didn’t change his diet, Evandro’s health could get worse.
At the Massachusetts Alliance for Portuguese Speakers, Isaurinda saw a sign for Operation Frontline’s Side By Side course, which teaches parents and children how to cook healthy, low-cost meals together. Isaurinda thought it sounded like a perfect opportunity to help Evandro and spend some quality time with him.
During class, Isaurinda and Evandro learned new recipes, tried whole grain bread which became a household favorite, and developed skills to make vegetables tastier. Their influence spread to Evandro’s sister and grandmother, and now everyone in the family eats more vegetables. “I’m about 30% vegetarian now,” Isaurinda says, a change she made by cooking less meat and adding vegetables to native Cape Verde recipes. Now Isaurinda cooks dishes like fish with collard greens and rice, and cuts out fried yucca and potatoes. Evandro is more willing to try vegetables (mushrooms are a new favorite) and dips them in meat sauce for a delicious treat. Since class, Evandro helps in the kitchen by cooking rice for dinner and preparing alternative meals when his picky taste buds kick in. “I learned how to make healthier foods and make them good,” he says proudly. “I learned how to make more foods independently.”
A few months ago, Evandro went back to the doctor and got an improved bill of health: His cholesterol was lower than ever. “Side By Side was good because I improved my health so I’m not sick,” he says. And that makes his mom very happy!
