Ypsilanti’s very own Joyful Treats Community Development Corps is stirring up a delightful concoction of fun, education, and community spirit. Their annual event, Cool Foods 4 Cool Kids, is set to simmer on August 5, serving up hearty helping of healthy eating habits to our community’s most vulnerable children.
This event is more than just a fun day out; it’s a recipe for reducing hunger disparities in Washtenaw County. By teaching kids how to whip up easy-to-prepare foods and snacks, Joyful Treats is equipping them with the tools they need to nourish their bodies and minds, even when they’re home alone after school.
But the ingredients for this event do not stop at food education. New school supplies will also be provided, adding a dash of confidence and a sprinkle of excitement to the upcoming school year. After all, children equipped with their own school supplies tend to perform better academically, exhibit more creativity, and have a more positive attitude towards learning. Just like a well-balanced meal, the right tools can nourish a child’s education and foster a healthy self-image.
Since 2015, Cool Foods 4 Cool Kids has successfully distributed over 2,300 back-to-school lunch pails, proving that this event is a recipe that yields success year after year
Joyful Treats Community Development Corps
At the heart of this feast of community support and education is Khadija Wallace, the founder of Joyful Treats Community Development Corps. Wallace shares, “Growing up in Alabama learning to cook is like breathing oxygen. My family taught me to cook…”
Raised in a multi-generational household of great cooks in Alabama, Wallace knows that the secret to a great meal – and a great community – lies in fresh ingredients and careful preparation. Her organization serves up more than just meals; it serves opportunities to community members most adversely impacted by various societal consequences, teaching them that the first ingredient in the recipe for success is believing in oneself.
“Joyful Treats is located in a food desert and our clients served are very low-income, homeless and the most vulnerable members impacted negatively in the community,” Wallace said.
In addition to their community events and food distributions, which served an impressive 36,733 meals in 2022 alone, Joyful Treats also runs an innovative cultural engagement workforce program called “Celebrations.”
This program is designed to equip future regional hospitality leaders with the skills they need to run a successful food operation and start their own businesses as foodpreneurs
Joyful Treats Catering
But the organization’s mission doesn’t stop at the family dining table. It extends into the bustling kitchens of its sister organization Joyful Treats Catering, where the aroma of delicious foods and exceptional hospitality fills the air.
Trained in the upscale culinary styles of the South and gourmet food preparations, their chefs continually innovate to provide unforgettable experiences for their clients’ company-sponsored appreciation, holiday parties, retreats and more.
Get involved today
The upcoming event, Cool Foods 4 Cool Kids, is a testament to the organization’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Just as a well-prepared meal can bring people together, this event aims to unite the community, helping to support the most vulnerable local school-aged kids and set them up for success in the coming school year. Register today!
Furthermore, whether you are a young food entrepreneur looking to whip up your dreams, a business looking for exceptional catering services, or a community member looking to support at-risk kids, Joyful Treats is here to serve.
After all, nothing brings people together like good food and a great cause.
