Thanks to Community Food Education (CFE) volunteer Peggy Keene for her dedication and enthusiasm!

Peggy is a first-time volunteer with Solid Ground’s Cooking Matters program. Though she initially signed up to be a Class Assistant in a recent Cooking Matters class at the Pike Place Market Commons, Peggy quickly stepped up to take over a vacant Cooking Facilitator role – an integral part of the Cooking Matters classes.

(L to r): Alma Britton and Peggy Keene toast walnuts for pesto in a Cooking Matters class.

As a Cooking Facilitator, Peggy brings her own dedication and expertise to everything that she does. She frequently tests out recipes on her own before class, ensuring that she’s prepared to help our participants make the best version possible.

On one occasion, during a lesson on herbs and spices, Peggy brought a collection of fresh herbs from her own garden for participants to pass around. This is just one example of the many ways in which Peggy fosters a creative and engaging learning environment.

Prior to volunteering in Cooking Matters classes, Peggy volunteered at one of Solid Ground’s Shop Smart events, sharing tips on how to save money on healthy foods at the grocery store. Her willingness to take on new challenges and roles – and to troubleshoot unexpected situations – is important to our collaborative work with other volunteer team members.

Peggy has taught class participants how to make kale pesto, guacamole, stovetop popcorn, and other tasty recipes. Thanks to her contagious enthusiasm for cooking, class participants have been cooking more at home and trying new things. She is a vital part of the success of our classes, and we appreciate having such a great volunteer. Thank you, Peggy!

Questions about volunteering with Community Food Education? Contact Shana McCann at 206.694.6869 or shanam@solid-ground.org.