March 25th 2024.
As the month of March approaches, many of us shift our focus towards the importance of making informed food choices, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying active. This year, with ongoing inflation and rising food prices, there is an added emphasis on staying nourished while on a budget.
In fact, recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have shown that Americans are spending more on food than they have in the past 30 years. This has led to a heightened awareness of the need to be mindful of our spending when it comes to purchasing food.
One individual who is well aware of this issue is Jada Prince, the owner and visionary behind Sassy Chefs Kitchen, a thriving minority- and woman-owned boutique catering and bake shop. Growing up in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Prince learned the value of hard work and determination from her city's blue-collar roots. However, it was a life-altering car accident that ultimately led her to embark on her culinary journey.
Today, Prince not only provides catering services for retreats nationwide, but also offers a line of dry mixes with powerful health benefits. In a recent interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, she discussed the importance of making nutritious food choices on a budget, using innovative approaches to affordable eating, and promoting nutrition in diverse communities.
One of the biggest issues facing our nation is food insecurity, with over 44 million people, including 13 million children, experiencing it. To address this problem, Prince has partnered with local food banks and community organizations to go beyond just providing meals. She also teaches valuable cooking skills to empower individuals and families to navigate food challenges with confidence.
"I team up with the local food banks, but take it a step further than just giving away food... I teach valuable cooking skills," Prince explains. She also makes her presence known at pop-up food giveaways and community events focused on violence prevention, recognizing the importance of meeting people where they are.
With rising food prices, making nutritious choices on a budget has become increasingly challenging for many families. As inflation and escalating food costs continue to persist, Prince suggests strategic shopping as a solution. This includes buying staple items in bulk, such as rice or potatoes, and exploring international markets and wholesale stores for affordable yet high-quality ingredients.
But for Prince, it's not just about saving money. She understands the importance of maximizing value and prioritizing health without breaking the bank. This is why she also focuses on empowering families to cook nutritious meals at home. By teaching cooking basics and creative meal preparation, Prince believes that families can make healthier choices consistently.
"As you learn how to cook the basic foods, you'll be more inclined to, especially when trying to eat on a budget," she says. Practical tips such as batch cooking and meal prepping not only save time, but also empower families to make healthier choices on a consistent basis.
In addition to her business efforts, Prince also collaborates with local ministries and organizations to serve those in need. Whether it's feeding the homeless or distributing food in underserved areas, her dedication to nourishing communities exemplifies the power of community collaboration in addressing food insecurities.
"My church feeds people every week," Prince shares, highlighting her ongoing commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Through partnerships with organizations like St. Lights Ministries and The Storehouse in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, Prince and her team strive to create a more food-secure future for all.
As a testament to her mission, Prince also provides three price-friendly and nutritious meal options using simple ingredients such as chicken breast, broccoli, bell peppers, onions, rice, and potato. These meals include a delicious chicken stir fry, a loaded baked potato, and a sheet pan chicken bake, all of which can be made with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
In a world where food insecurity and rising food prices are becoming more prevalent, it's reassuring to see individuals like Jada Prince using their platform and skills to make a positive impact in their communities. Through her dedication to promoting nutrition and providing affordable meal options, Prince is truly making a difference in the lives of many.
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