Lastinger Learning
New Worlds Reading
Florida Tutoring Advantage
Books & Cooks
A seven-week program that pairs food and nutrition with learning and loving reading.
What is Books & Cooks?
The Lastinger Center for Learning’s New Worlds Reading team has partnered with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) to study the connection between literacy, nutrition, and food security with Florida families.
Books & Cooks is a FREE 7-week literacy and nutrition program. Weekly sessions help families support enjoyment of reading, healthy eating, and family connection through fun, hands-on activities. Throughout the program, participants share their experiences in a research study* designed to measure the impact of Books & Cooks and learn about what kind of resources best serve Florida families.
The program is delivered in the Fall and Spring each academic year. Look for us in Alachua, Broward, Clay, Duval, Leon, Miami-Dade and Polk counties with more counties participating soon!
Why participate?
Each week, participating families receive a book, childcare, dinner, and groceries for FREE!
Who is eligible?
Families in Alachua, Broward, Clay, Duval, Leon, Miami-Dade and Polk counties. Priority for enrollment will be given to New Worlds Reading families.
Families must consent to participate in the research study to measure the impact of the Books & Cooks program.
Learn More
To learn more about the Books & Cooks program, email booksandcooks@ifas.ufl.edu. To learn more about New Worlds Reading, visit newworldsreading.com.