Fueling Up Our Future

08/18/2025

Seven years ago, I volunteered for my very first Cooking Matters class. I was in a career transition, and that experience inspired me to become a Registered Dietitian and dedicate my career to community nutrition.

For those unfamiliar, Cooking Matters offered six-week courses in low-income neighborhoods, taught by volunteer chefs and nutrition educators. Families, kids, and older adults learned about meal prep, grocery shopping on a budget, and nutrition. Each week, participants even took home groceries to practice recipes at home. The impact was powerful and lasting.

Sadly, due to federal funding cuts, Cooking Matters along with MSU Extension’s nutrition and physical activity programs under SNAP-Ed has come to an end. To see such important community education programs disappear is devastating. 💔

I remain committed to this work and look forward to starting up programs again this school year. I truly hope these grants and opportunities will return one day. The need has never been greater.
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/08/02/msu-extension-federal-cuts-layoffs-grants-snap-agriculture-nutrition/85471747007/

07/22/2025

📞 Sharing to spread the word! Today is National Call-In Day to show Congress how important Head Start is for children and families in our community.

I just made the call, it was quick and easy! Here’s how you can help:

➡️ Dial 202-224-3121
➡️ Ask to be connected to your Representative
➡️ Say: “I’m calling to urge my congressperson to protect funding for Head Start.”

Every voice matters. Please help if you can!

06/25/2025

🚨 Millions of Americans rely on SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, Medicare, and school meals and now, these vital programs are at risk. As a caregiver and registered dietitian, I see firsthand how devastating these cuts would be. We must act now, using our networks and voices to make a difference. 🫶

🗣️ Link in bio to take action from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics — it only takes a minute!

06/22/2025

05/21/2025

🚲🍓 LAST TASTE TESTING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR! 🍫🫐

Our Head Start kids crushed it on the smoothie bikes today, blending up strawberry-blueberry and chocolate smoothies powered by pure pedal power! 💪✨

One little kid showed up in a Paw Patrol shirt that said it best:
“We will always rise if we are together.” 💛
That’s what this year has been all about—teamwork, trying new things, and cheering each other on. Here’s to strong legs, big smiles, and one delicious ending to a fantastic year! 🥤🌟

05/11/2025

This is my mom, she turns 80 this year, and she’s always encouraged me to reach for the stars. In my early 20s, she told me I’d make a great teacher. I spent 20 years in the corporate world before going back to school at 40 with two little kids to become a Registered Dietitian. Teaching kids about nutrition became my passion, and my mom supported me every step of the way. She even made me a study room at her house, made me special lunches while I studied, and fought through crazy crowds back in the day to get my sister and me our Cabbage Patch dolls (shown in this pic!).

Her belief in me inspired me to follow my dreams and it was my two beautiful girls who showed me the path. When they were in elementary school, I realized there was little to no nutrition education for them. Volunteering in their school opened my eyes to how important this was, not just for them, but for all kids. That’s when I knew: I could do this for others, too.

Thank you, Mom, for always believing in me. And to my girls, for inspiring me to make a difference. ❤️

Anyone else have an 80’s Cabbage Patch? Mine was named Rene! 😀 ❤️

05/05/2025

One of our favorite parent messages yet, proof that healthy habits can be fun and totally kid-approved! 🥬 🥦 🍓 🥖 🫘 🥛 🧁

04/29/2025

The joy these kids bring is truly unmatched — their energy, smiles, and hugs made this spring session so rewarding. It’s always bittersweet when something so special comes to an end, especially when so many didn’t want it to be over! Throughout the weeks, we often heard, “This is the best day ever!” — and moments like those are what make it all so worthwhile. Huge thanks to for helping us wrap up with an unforgettable experience. The kids loved the behind-the-scenes tour, exploring delivery trucks and freezers 🚛❄️, and had a blast on our colorful, calcium-rich scavenger hunt! 🌈🥦 We even taste-tested kumquats — sweet on the inside, sour on the outside — and let’s just say there were lots of puckered faces! 🍊
Thank you to our amazing Royal Oak and Berkley families for making the past 6 weeks so full of laughter, learning, and community! 🧘‍♀️

04/23/2025

Protein Power!
Our Fuel Up Friends dove into the world of protein-rich foods—learning how protein helps us build and repair muscles!

We explored both plant-based and animal-based proteins, with some fun (and tasty) discoveries along the way.

Snacks we enjoyed:
• Edamame
• Triscuits & Hummus
• Honey Roasted Chickpeas
• Chocolate Fudge Cookies (made with a secret protein-packed ingredient… black beans!)

04/20/2025

Cut Head Start and Starve Our Future — that’s the message on our sign, and the truth behind what’s at stake.

As a Registered Dietitian for Head Start, I see every day how this program transforms lives — not just through early education, but by feeding kids real, nutritious meals, teaching them to explore healthy foods, and supporting the whole child and family.

It was an honor to march with my mom, one of my daughters, niece, thousands of others and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib to speak up. This is the kind of leadership we need — rooted in compassion, equity, and action.

The Trump administration’s push to eliminate funding for Head Start would leave over half a million of the country’s most vulnerable children without support. We can’t let that happen.

Head Start is essential. Food is care. Our children deserve better.

04/12/2025

I was honored to speak today at a medical conference alongside an amazing doctor. Collaboration between families, healthcare providers, dietitians, and policymakers is essential to improving care for people facing serious illnesses.

We talked about the importance of advocacy, support, compassion, and evidence-based care. No one gets through these challenges alone. Find the helpers, they’re out there. I met so many inspiring people today. ❤️

04/11/2025

Had the best time today with so many awesome Registered Dietitians and students from across Michigan at our annual conference! Big thanks to the Madonna University Dietetic students I get to work with. You help me grow as a Preceptor every year. The Fueling Up with Friends kids love you, and so do I!
Shaima & Kenda - 2 weeks to go! You’ve got this… future RDs!