A strong community needs strong roots.
Portage Township’s NOURISH Program is on a mission to help residents understand the relationship they share between their diets and their physical health by providing free cooking classes and nutrition resources in our community.
NOURISH
Food brings us together in so many ways. Whether celebrating a joyous occasion or finding comfort during tough times, food is a central part of our lives. Gathering around the table to share a meal and talk about our days is a cherished tradition.
Join us at the table every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at one of our community partnership locations for a free cooking class. Not only will you learn from local chefs on how to cook a balanced, budgeted meal, but signing up online also makes you eligible to receive class-specific ingredients to make the dish at home!
Attendees will also have the chance to participate in a weekly raffle for cooking utensils, from crockpots to silverware.
Simply click on a class listed below and select the dates you’re interested in attending!
Our website also features a list of the healthy recipes we have taught in class available to use completely free.
Note: NOURISH is a food assistance program aimed at fighting chronic health conditions that arise from obesity open to all residents within the Portage Township-South Bend area.
Supplies are limited to one per household.
UPCOMING CLASSES
9/1 SKILLET SEPTEMBER: RED PESTO MUSHROOM PENNE @ 1ROOF, 405 E DUBAIL AVE
Quick, easy, and delicious, this recipe is full of onion, garlic, sliced mushrooms, and delicate penne pasta tossed in a tasty red pesto sauce. Learn how to make this skillet recipe from NOURISH Coordinator Connor Piper.
9/8 SMOKED SAUSAGE SKILLET @ KROC CENTER, 900 W WESTERN AVE
Beat the heat of September with this aromatic smoked sausage skillet that comes together in under an hour. Taught by Jamie Snook of the Portage Township Trustee Office.
9/15 SKILLET SEPTEMBER: CHICKEN SHAWARMA SKILLET @ UNITY GARDENS, 3701 PRAST BLVD
Learn how to make a savory and out-of-this-world Chicken Shawarma Skillet from Chef Phil Beattie at Unity Gardens.
9/22 SKILLET SEPTEMBER: SWEET POTATO HASH @ PORTAGE COMMONS, 133 N WILLIAM STREET
This highly customizable breakfast/lunch combination is sure to be added to your meal prep rotation! Taught by NOURISH Coordinator Connor Piper.
10/6 CHICKEN ENCHILADA SLOW COOKER MEAL PREP @ 1ROOF, 405 E DUBAIL AVE
Learn how to make a nutritious chicken enchilada slow cooker recipe that is perfect for Sunday night meal prep ahead of a busy work week! Taught by NOURISH Instructor Connor Piper.
10/13 ONE-POT SAUSAGE, WHITE BEAN, APPLE, CABBAGE STEW @ KROC CENTER, 900 W WESTERN AVE
This hearty stew is perfect for the fall and will keep the whole house warm with every serving! Taught by Chef Phil Beattie.
10/20 SHEPHERD'S PIE @ PORTAGE COMMONS, 133 N WILLIAM STREET
Portage Township Trustee Jason Critchlow is putting on the chef’s apron to share his favorite budgeted recipe that is a go-to staple in his recipe rotation!
11/3 NOURISH RECIPE COMPETITION! @ 1ROOF, 405 E DUBAIL AVE
The best community recipe selected from our internal NOURISH Recipe Competition will be taught during this week! We want to represent all of our Township through food! Send any recipe submission to cpiper@portagetownship71.in.gov no later than 12 PM on September 4, 2026.
11/10 CHICKEN AND TORTELLINI SOUP @ KROC CENTER, 900 W WESTERN AVE
A scrumptious chicken and tortellini soup, taught by Chef Phil Beattie!
11/17 CREAMY POTATO SOUP @ PORTAGE COMMONS, 133 N WILLIAM STREET
Health Consultant Robin Vida puts the apron back on to teach a warming and traditional creamy potato soup!
Keep up to date with all our news and classes.