An after-school program for aspiring chefs is looking for its next class of students. Applications for this year’s Junior Chef Academy are now open.

The Junior Chef Academy is for students 12 to 15 years old. The program was created to combat food insecurity by teaching kids how to work with fresh food.

According to Feeding America, one in seven Hoosiers face food insecurity.

Lead Chef Ross Katz says that by teaching kids kitchen skills, they hope to break the cycle behind food insecurity.

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February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health, and what better way to do that than through nutritious meals? Chanee Oginni, chef and director of food services at Chalet Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, stopped by the Daybreak kitchen to share a winning recipe designed to nourish both body and soul.

Oginni, who recently won a national competition for her heart-healthy stir-fry recipe, emphasized the importance of portion control and balanced ingredients. “You want to have about three to four ounces of protein, more vegetables, and fewer carbs and fats. Grilling and sautéing are great options for keeping meals nutritious.”

Beyond the kitchen, Oginni plays a vital role in ensuring Chalet Rehabilitation’s residents have access to healthy, delicious meals. “Eating is one of the few choices they get each day, and it’s an opportunity for them to connect and enjoy their time together,” she said.

Trey Fitzwater, who joined Oginni in the kitchen, highlighted how meals contribute to overall wellness. “It’s the most important thing our residents do three times a day. Good food helps with recovery, and dining together creates a sense of community.”

For those looking to make heart-healthy choices, Oginni encourages simple swaps like grilling instead of frying and incorporating more vegetables into meals. “Put love into your food,” she said. “It makes all the difference.”

For more information on Chalet Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, click here.

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Inspired by his recent trip to Italy, International Jazz Pianist Pavel Polanco-Safadit was inspired to bring the taste of the Amalfi Coast back home to Indiana.

On Friday, Pavel came on “Life.Style.Live!” to show Host Felicia Michelle and Reporter Marlee Thomas to talk about his recent trip and show off a tasty Baked and Stuffed Shrimp recipe.

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Milk provides naturally occurring nutrition with vitamins and minerals. While formula can provide nutrition, it doesn’t give the infant’s immune system the same resources as human milk.

Indiana is one ranks among the top 10 worst states in the country for infant morality rates.

While public health leaders are zeroing in on how to help families increase odds of survival, The Milk Bank has provided an estimated 15 million feedings to the community.

Learn more about The Milk Banks efforts to supply almost 90 hospitals across the Midwest and more information on how they test breast milk’s safety for the most fragile infants.

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A nonprofit focused on revitalizing the Northwest Landing neighborhood is up against a fundraising deadline for its newest project.

The Aspire Higher Foundation looks to raise $50,000 by 11 p.m. for a matching grant through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s “CreatINg Places” program.

Its latest campaign aims to kickstart the “Bloom + Brew Community Marketplace,” planned across the corner from the group’s “Aspire House” on Udell Street.

The project is designed to be a place for the nonprofit to sell the food it grows in its community garden and makes through its various programs.

Executive Director Sharon Clark says she hopes it can also be another place for the neighborhood to hang out.

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A “marathon” that fields no competitors, covers no miles, and has no finish line may not immediately seem like a candidate for success, but organizers of the the Million Meal Marathon say it is achieving exactly what they envisioned.

The Marathon is the signature event of the Million Meal Movement. Hintz co-founded the movement in 2007 with her husband, Dan.

The next Marathon is Feb. 5 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

If you volunteer, you will become part of a high-speed assembly line known as the “Helping Hands.” The work is straightforward: Measure and pour four specific ingredients into a funnel, filling a bag that will go to someone who is hungry around the state. The combination of soy, rice, dried vegetables, and vitamin mix fan fully feed a family.

The Marathon can always use extra Helping Hands and currently is thin on volunteers later in the early evening shifts. To sign up, click here.

If you’d prefer to donate, each $1 donated can provide two family meals.

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The owner of sMall Town Produce, Thomas Loudermilk, joined us to share how he provides fresh, locally grown produce to Hoosiers at his stand near the Greenwood Park Mall.

Loudermilk is a third generation farmer. His father raised him to grow produce, livestock, and hay. He began his farm in response to wanting to help his community, trying to help food insecurities.

A portion of the produce made at sMall Town Produce is donated to organizations around Indy.

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If your grocery trips are starting to feel more expensive, but your bags are getting lighter, you’re not alone. Shrinkflation is when companies reduce the size of their products but keep prices the same. Director of Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability at Purdue University, Joe Balagtas, shared insights on how consumers can fight against this growing trend.

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