By Ellie Meyerstein, VRG Intern

I had the opportunity to sit in on one of Crystal Forman’s vegan cooking classes at Christopher Place. Christopher Place is a facility that provides a place to stay, education, recovery support, and job skills to ensure job security and long-term independence for formerly homeless men in the Baltimore, Maryland area.

On the menu that day were sautéed collards with onions and pepper, as well as cooked beets. As she cooked, Ms. Forman told the class where she had procured the ingredients, most of which were from sustainable farms in Baltimore. Having picked the veggies herself just a few days prior, they were about as fresh as they can get.

Additionally, Ms. Forman talked about the different vitamins and minerals found in each of the ingredients, explaining why each was essential to proper bodily function. At the end of the class, Ms. Forman gave a presentation, specifically geared towards men’s health and how the participants could improve their health holistically. She focused on exercise and healthy diet but also emphasized the importance of paying attention to the signs for heart disease and strokes.

Overall, the class was incredibly informative and the food was delicious. Once she was done cooking, everyone got to try a few bites of the food. And even the participants who were skeptical, or one who was a notoriously picky eater, enjoyed the food. Slowly, Ms. Forman is proving that nutritious, vegan food can be flavorful and satisfying. By the end of the class, many of the participants took home some of the leftover collards and beetroots to cook up for themselves.

I’m very glad I had this opportunity and could be a part of the crucial work that Ms. Forman is doing. She is incredibly knowledgeable about food and health and the participants (and myself) were captivated watching her cook and explain the science behind it.

For information about Crystal Forman, see https://www.holistic-wellnessandhealth.com/about/

Ellie observed this class during her VRG internship. For information about VRG internships, see https://www.vrg.org/student/index.php