Kitchen Literacy
CBAL brings everyone together in Basin communities including hosting cooking classes that nourish skills, confidence and connection.
The mouthwateringsmell of sautéed spinach and green onions drifting into the hallway of Creston’s College of the Rockies (COTR) building—paired with happy chatter and laughter—can only mean one thing: the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) is hosting a cooking class for seniors.
Taste of Greece, offered in spring 2026, brought together cooks of all abilities to explore Greek culture while learning how to prepare affordable, nutritious and delicious meals. Participants strengthened their food literacy and sense of confidence, all while building connections in the kitchen.
“I needed to learn how to boil water,” jokes participant Bonnie Cameron.
Others brought some experience but still found value in the class. Paula Harper, who visited Greece in her 20s, appreciated the renewed insight into Greek cooking through simple, quick recipes and the opportunity to learn alongside others.
“It brought community members together and gives you confidence in your ability to cook, learning from someone who’s an expert,” she says.
Across 77 Columbia Basin communities, CBAL’s 16 literacy co-ordinators promote literacy and lifelong learning on topics ranging from exercise to gardening for people of all ages and newcomers to Canada.
Programs are often delivered in partnership with community organizations, such as COTR in Creston.
For more than 20 years, Columbia Basin Trust has supported these efforts. It is now helping CBAL expand its programming for seniors, focusing on food, financial literacy, health and wellness, with the additional aim of reducing social isolation. This involves offering workshops like Creston’s cooking classes.
Instructor Eleni Pantelaiou led participants through Greek cuisine, followed by a later course focused on Syrian dishes taught by Nasren Ismal. Both instructors are former students of CBAL’s English as a Second Language program, and continue to build their skills while giving back.
“They help me with English, and I teach them to cook,” says Pantelaiou, who moved to Creston from Greece 15 years ago with her family.
After gaining experience with another catering company, Pantelaiou launched her own business, Gefsis Catering, in 2025. She has since led other cooking classes, sharing both traditional recipes and insights gained through her own experimentation.
“People like to learn something new,” she says. “I like to share, and to figure out my own way why something works or how it can be better or faster.”
For the CBAL team in Creston, the benefits extend far beyond cooking skills.
“We’ve seen meaningful moments of connection in the kitchen, with participants building relationships while cooking side by side, and even requesting future programming, such as sourdough workshops,” says Gillian Wells, Community Literacy Outreach Co-ordinator. “When people come together in this way, they not only learn new skills but also meet new people, form friendships and often continue those connections well beyond the program.”
