Founded in 2003 in Chicago, Common Threads was created to bring health and wellness to children, families and communities through cooking and nutrition education. By integrating preventative health programs into school districts and community organizations, Common Threads not only helps combat the rising number of diet-related diseases, but also cultivates a culture that embraces a healthier lifestyle and celebrates diversity through food. The organization envisions a community of learners that embraces healthy cooking, healthy eating and healthy living as both a life choice and a human right.

Common Threads currently operates in nine major cities including Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Jacksonville, FL; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; New York City, NY; Pittsburgh, PA and Washington D.C. During the 2015-16 school year and summer, it provided hands-on cooking skills to more than 70,000 students, worked with over 500 schools and partner sites and served 498,000 healthy meals and snacks.

Common Threads’ programs have consistently been shown by evaluation to significantly improve student nutrition knowledge, vegetable consumption and preference, self-confidence in cooking skills, frequency of helping to cook at home and communication about healthy eating to the family. These skills, knowledge and behaviors directly contribute to a reduced risk of childhood obesity and other chronic health problems.

The Change Happens Foundation supports Common Threads’ cooking and nutrition education in Los Angeles, CA, where, during the 2015-16 school year and summer, the organization created lasting and meaningful change in the lives of nearly 20,000 children and adults in partnership with more than 200 school and community sites. For more information on Common Threads, visit www.commonthreads.org.