F.A.M. Dinner (Spring 2025)

On March 11, 2025, families came together at Sunshine Gospel Ministries for an enriching evening of connection, learning, and flavorful Mediterranean cuisine as part of the Familyhood program in partnership with United Against Inequities in Disease (UAID). This event offered a unique opportunity for families to bond over a shared meal, engage in guided discussions, and learn valuable health tips while exploring the vibrant tastes of Mediterranean food.

The evening’s theme, Food Connects Us, was brought to life through a Healthy Snack Workshop and a custom buffet menu that emphasized healthy eating habits and the joys of preparing nutritious meals together. Families had fun creating their own bento boxes, filled with delicious and wholesome items, including chocolate pretzel cranberry coconut bark, roasted chickpea hummus with whole wheat pita, and black bean and avocado mash with jicama and carrot sticks.

The event also featured a diverse Global Fusion Menu, with dishes that highlighted the rich flavors and health benefits of Mediterranean and international cuisines. Some of the standout offerings included crispy falafel with tangy tahini sauce, tandoori chicken, lean beef baked empanadas, vegetable paella with chicken, and a refreshing Israeli couscous vegetable salad. For dessert, attendees enjoyed chocolate avocado chia seed pudding and strawberry yogurt mousse, providing a healthy yet indulgent end to the meal.

This initiative was made possible by UAID, a student-led organization at the University of Chicago committed to eliminating health inequities. By partnering with Sunshine Gospel Ministries, the Familyhood program aimed to foster community engagement while promoting healthier lifestyle choices for families.

The evening was filled with joy as families came together, not only to share a meal but also to participate in meaningful activities and discussions that reinforced the importance of health and togetherness. Through events like this, FamilyHood continues to make a lasting impact by showing how food can connect us all in meaningful and transformative ways.

#FamilyHood #HealthyEating #MediterraneanFlavors #UAID