When families come to stay at Ronald McDonald House, the last thing they need to worry about is preparing a meal.

To that end, local chef Andrew Parker has stepped in to offer 35 cooking classes at the house from June through September.

With Parker’s expertise, cooking students will create an abundance of suppers – enough to feed 50 to 60 people staying at the house. For the wanna-be cooks, it’s hands-on experience, and for Parker it’s a way to give back to the community.

“We’re just trying to build awareness of the local need. Any group can come in and make dinners for the house,” he said.

The classes include health food, low-calorie cooking and gluten-free meals – all prepared in under 30 minutes. The small groups of 12 students will receive an apron, swag bag of goodies and the satisfaction of helping families through a difficult time.

“For our families, there’s a social value – a normalcy to cooking and eating together – at a time when nothing is normal,” said Martin Dugas, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Northern Alberta.

For information or to register, visit chefparker.ca.

Home for Dinner

• The program has organizations or groups in on a regular basis to cook for the families. To volunteer, call 780-439-5437.
• This year’s goal is an evening meal for more than 200 days, while next year’s goal is every day.