According to the local public health report The Real Cost of Eating Well, nearly one in four households in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties experiences food insecurity. For older adults and caregivers, accessing affordable, nutritious food is essential to aging in place safely and successfully.

Healthy eating plays a key role in preventing and managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and some cancers. Yet eating well can be challenging when cost, access, or time are barriers.

One of the most effective ways to support healthy eating is by cooking more often at home. Preparing your own meals allows you to choose nutritious ingredients, control portions, and reduce the cost of eating out. It can also save time—cook once and enjoy multiple meals.

And leftovers don’t have to mean repetition. With a little creativity, yesterday’s meal can become something entirely new.

If you’re not sure where to start, local chef Andrea Mut offers simple, approachable recipes designed to build confidence in the kitchen. With more than 30 years of experience in professional kitchens, catering, teaching, and recipe development, she focuses on flavour-forward meals made with everyday ingredients.

“My Pocket Kitchen started as a way to help people feel confident in the kitchen,” says Mut. “After decades of working in fast-paced restaurants and running my own bakery, I learned that great food comes from simple techniques, quality ingredients, and flavours that shine without extra fuss.”

For example, a frittata is an easy, versatile option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s a practical way to create a nutritious meal with ingredients you likely already have on hand. With just a few simple steps, you can prepare a satisfying dish that works for any time of day.

Visit My Pocket Kitchen to explore more recipes and tips.

Resource tip:
Health Canada offers a helpful guide, Safe Food Handling for Adults Aged 60 and Over, with practical advice to reduce the risk of food-related illness and stay safe in the kitchen.