NORWICH – This spring, the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County is offering a new program for those interested in simple cooking, healthy recipes, growing their own food and reducing grocery bills.

The Grow, Cook, Eat Program is an initiative aimed at increasing healthy eating habits while also promoting physical activity. Thanks to grant funding from the United Way of Chenango County and a partnership with the Norwich Family YMCA, the new program can service 18 participants and give them all they need to take another step toward a healthier lifestyle.

For a $50 registration fee (which can be waived for people dealing with financial hardships), participants get: A plot in the community garden or a container garden at home; a personal gardening mentor; five gardening classes; six Eat Smart NY cooking and nutrition classes; three food preserving classes; three free passes for a YMCA fitness class; two one-on-one goal setting meetings; and a Grow, Cook, Eat journal to keep track of progress and accomplishments.