The Kitchenistas

Stream now or tune in Monday, March 15, 2021 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Above: The 16th Generation of Kitchenistas receiving their certificates from Olivewood Gardens, the office of the Mayor of National City, and California elected officials.

—Women advocating for healthy food traditions to change their community and transform lives—

In 2013, twelve Latina mothers attended the inaugural 7-week healthy cooking program called Cooking for Salud! ® at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, an educational garden in National City. By the end of 2020, there are more than 275 Kitchenistas and a 1-year plus waiting list.

Not only are there measurable changes in the health of the Kitchenistas and their families, there are documented improvements in their health behaviors, life satisfaction, and community involvement.

The feature film follows the 16th Generation in mid- 2019 through the now, 8-week course and focuses on the personal journeys of several early-generation Kitchenista through 2020.

The Kitchenistas: Trailer

What started as a nutrition program 7 years ago in National City, California, for women seeking healthier diets, has become a Latina-led movement to raise the health, wellbeing, and resilience of the community. After 18 graduating classes, more than 275 Kitchenistas stay the course to overcome systemic barriers in bringing high-quality food solutions into their homes, schools, city, and healthcare system.

They show how healthy food traditions can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, and how change can occur in the home, at schools, within city hall, and the healthcare system.

The official film website is in English and Spanish.

Preview: Latina Women Advocating for Healthy Food Traditions

The Kitchenistas are a group of women creating change in their communities through cooking classes and one healthy meal at a time.

This program is an expansion of "The Kitchenistas of National City" (30 minutes) that premiered on KPBS back in September 2016.

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Join The Conversation:

"The Kitchenistas" movie is on Facebook and Instagram.

Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center is on Facebook and Instagram.

The Kitchenistas teaching at the Cooking Mindful Mushrooms class at Studio Kitchen by Specialty Produce. San Diego, Calif. (undated photo)

Credits:

Executive Producer/Producer: Mary Ann Beyster. Director: David Romero, Eddie Grace Films.

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