Living With Cancer
Shanna Hutton is passionate about food—from creating recipes to exploring new flavors. This mom of two also recognizes the role that food plays in health and bringing people together.
“I learned at a very young age the power of healthy food, but also the power of sharing food with other people,” she says.
Shanna shares her knowledge about nutrition and demonstrates how to prepare healthy and tasty recipes through a program called Nourish: Food for Life. She leads free, monthly cooking demonstrations for cancer survivors and their families at Natural Grocers in Eugene and for the community at the Lane County Farmers Market in the fall and spring.
“My favorite part about doing these classes is my connection to the audience. I absolutely love when people come, sit down and they see what I’m cooking, and they’re instantly inspired to do it within their own kitchen.”
Shanna says, “Through my recipes, I try to prioritize that bridge between what tastes good and what is good for you, because it can be the same thing. Creating flavorful, nutritious meals, is a powerful way to really nourish your body but also feed your soul.”
The Nourish classes were born out of Shanna’s commitment to Positive Community Kitchen (PCK), a nonprofit organization that provides free, organic meals to people diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. With the help of teen volunteers, PCK supports individuals and families in the community who are enduring an exceptionally challenging chapter in their lives.
“For the original five families that we served, when Positive Community Kitchen first began, and for the 100 families that we now serve each week, it’s an incredible experience for everyone involved. We’re not only delivering a meal to someone who needs it, but we’re also sending love, support and a connection to the community.”
For a list of Shanna’s Nourish classes and to access recipes and watch videos of her cooking demonstrations, click here. To learn more about Positive Community Kitchen services, or if you or your teen are interested in volunteering with the organization, check out PositiveCommunityKitchen.org.
