upcoming events

Food Preservation
Thursday, July 29th 6pm-8pm
Location: Food Works Kitchen
Join MHC’s staff to learn about the many ways to preserve food this harvest season. We’ll generally go over the most popular methods such as canning, fruit preserving, drying and freezing, as well as traditional salting and lacto-fermentation. The workshop will also include a hands on food preservation demonstration and tasting. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Food Preservation - offered through People's University Bloomington $6 in-city/$7 non-city
Thursday, August 12 6pm-8pm
Location: Food Works Kitchen or Banneker Kitchen
Join MHC’s staff to learn about the many ways to preserve food this harvest season. We’ll generally go over the most popular methods such as canning, fruit preserving, drying and freezing, as well as traditional salting and lacto-fermentation. The workshop will also include a hands on food preservation demonstration and tasting. This class is offered through People's University. To register visit People's University website through City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Website, or through the Winter Program Guide.

MHC Farm Tour: The Chile Woman’s Farm
Thursday, August 19th 5:30-6:30
Location: Meet at the pantry at 5:15 to carpool to Bloomington’s own chile pepper farm
Meet the llama and Jacob sheep and tour one of the "hottest" farms around! The chile woman supplies the local market with an incredible array of peppers, and we’ll be visiting at the perfect time to see all shapes and sizes of peppers and learn all about heirloom farming and of course chiles! This tour is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Monroe County Extension and MHC’s Annual Canning Workshop
Thursday, August 26th 5:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Monroe County Health Services Building Kitchen at 119 W. 7th St.
Join MHC staff at the Monroe County Cooperative Extension office for the 7th annual Canning and Jamming workshop! Learn about preserving a myriad of fresh vegetables and fruits, and can your own tomatoes on site with a hands on demonstration. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Monroe County Extension and MHC’s Annual Jams and Jellies Workshop
Friday, August 27th 5:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Monroe County Health Services Building Kitchen at 119 W. 7th St.
Join MHC staff at the Monroe County Cooperative Extension office for the 7th annual Jamming workshop. Learn the ins and outs of making your own jams and jellies and can your own jam with a hands on demonstration! This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Natural Arthritis Relief
Wednesday, September 8th 6:30pm-7:30pm
MHC Conference Room at 1010 S. Walnut St.
Do you or does someone you love suffer from one or more of the over 100 rheumatic conditions? Join Bloomington Naturopath Scarlett Winters and learn how people use natural methods to manage pain and overcome the root causes of arthritis. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Seed Saving
Thursday, September 16th 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Wylie House Museum
Join Sherry Wise of Wylie House to learn about our very own Bloomington heirloom garden and the historic Wylie House. Learn how to use open-pollinated heirloom varieties in your garden, and save your own seeds from year to year! This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Pantry Primer
Monday, October 11th 6:30pm-8pm
Location: MHC Conference Room
Ever wonder how some cooks seem to throw together the most tasty and nutritious meals and make it seem so simple? It all begins in the pantry and it can be done on a very tight budget! Come learn about healthy perishable and dry goods staples to keep on hand in the kitchen so that there is always something wholesome to eat. Includes a brief overview of natural cleaning supplies, and discussion on reading nutrition labels and ingredients lists. Feel free to bring in pantry items you would like to discuss. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Garden Planning 101
Thursday, November 4th 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Banneker Kitchen, $6 in-city/$7 non-city.
Those seed catalogs will soon arrive. Learn how to plan a productive four-season garden before you order. Participants make 2010 garden maps with emphasis on crop rotation, companion planting, soil building, and cover cropping. This class is offered through People's University. To register visit People's University website through City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Website, or through the Winter Program Guide.

Recently Held 2010 Classes and Events

Soup Making (Healthy, Cheap, and Tasty)!
Tuesday, January 5th 2010, 6:30-7:30
Location: Bloomington Cooking School
Warm up with MHC and learn how to make healthy soups using seasonally appropriate and economical ingredients. Melt the winter away with soup recipes that will be affordable, versatile and tasty! This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

IU Women's Basket Ball
Thursday, January 28th 2010, 7:00-9:00
Location: Assembly Hall
Do you love IU sports? Are you craving an evening with the MHC crew? Join us at the upcoming IU vs Wisconsin Women's Basketball game! We have 100 free tickets to share with our clients, volunteers, friends and family. Contact us at or 812.355.6843 to sign up for your free tickets.

Woody Guthrie's American Song - benefit for MHC
Friday, February 6th at 7:30pm and Saturday February 6th at 2:00pm and 7:30pm 2010
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington
This Land is Your Land, Deportee, Bound for Glory, Pastures of Plenty . . . almost everyone knows at least one version of these iconic songs-songs which have been largely attributed to Woody Guthrie. These and many other songs are featured in a new musical, Woody Guthrie's American Song, which will make its Bloomington return at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington.

American Song features a cast of 16 and a six-member band who lead the audience on an often humorous, sometimes poignant, tour of Guthrie's life. Using Guthrie's own letters and journals, playwright Peter Glazer weaves a loose narrative which helps to explain how Guthrie came to write songs as diverse as Hard Travelin' and This Land. Between those two numbers are 24 other songs which illustrate Guthrie's personal and artistic journey, even as they entertain the audience with their sheer power and vitality.

General admission tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for children and senior citizens, available at the door and in advance at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater Box Office (812-323-3020). A portion of the proceeds will be contributed to Mental Health America of Monroe County and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard of Bloomington.

Sprouting and Raw Foods
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 6:30pm-8pm
Banneker Community Center Kitchen
Join MHC for the 3rd annual sprouting class. Are you lacking fresh foods in your diet this winter? Learn to sprout your own beans, grains and seeds, and prepare a fabulous raw meal. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Bread Baking without the Fuss!
Tuesday, February 23rd 6pm-8pm
Location: Banneker Community Center Kitchen
Join White Violet Center's, Candace Minster, and bread baker extraordinaire, Mark Minster, to learn the basics of baking your own bread from scratch. Home-baked bread is the most delicious, healthy, and by far the least expensive bread you can eat. In this class you'll learn just how easy and fun it is as well! We'll focus on the techniques and recipes that are versatile and time saving such as no-knead, large batches and slow-rise. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Introduction to Vegetable Gardening
Wednesday, February 24th 5:30-7:30
Location: MHC Conference Room 1010 S. Walnut St
Learn how to start your own vegetable garden for the coming season. We'll talk about a variety of gardening methods from bio-dynamic and bio-intensive to permaculture. Learn the basics of crop rotation, companion planting, soil building, and cover cropping. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

49th annual Theta Antique & Decorative Arts Sale - a benefit for MHC
Saturday, February 27th 10:00am-6:00pm and Sunday, February 28th 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Bloomington Convention Center
The 49th annual Theta Antique & Decorative Arts Sale will again be the place to be this February 27th and 28th. This charity event will feature regional dealers selling quality merchandise such as china, jewelry, silver, furniture, rugs etc. Parking is free with a shuttle and the Theta Kitchen will be serving food as usual. CASA, Jill's House, MCUM, Middle Way House and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard are a few of the charities who have received proceeds from this sale. Antiques are the ultimate "green" product. No new resources are being used when you buy them. Admission $7, good for both days.

Seed Starting
Tuesday, March 2nd, 6-7:30pm
Banneker Community Center Kitchen
Join MHC staff and experienced garden volunteers to learn about seed starting for your home garden, and to help MHC plant seeds for our three community garden plots. We'll discuss planning and timing your plantings, lighting, watering and other basics of seed starting. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

MHC Annual Harvest Team Breakfast
Thursday, March 11th 2010 7:30am-8:30am
First Presbyterian Churc: 221 East 6th Street (Parking lot off E 7th @ Lincoln St)
As you know there is a real food emergency around the world and right here in our community. MHC is the largest food pantry in the area and our programs work hard to meet the increase in demand by providing the healthiest foods possible and by offering services in ways that build community and promote dignity and self-care. Please contact us ( or 812.355.6843) if you are interested in joining us for a one hour program to learn about our programs, view our documentary, enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, hear stories from our patrons, delight over local music and learn how we've grown. *Help us raise over $11,000 at this event and MHC will receive an additional $11,000 from a matching grant!* The event ends promptly at 8:30am so all can continue with their mornings. If you are unable to attend and would still like to make a contribution in the spirit of the Breakfast, please let us know and we'll send you a pledge card in the mail.

Intro to Lacto-Fermentation
Saturday, March 13 1pm-3pm
Location: Clabber Girl Kitchen in Terre Haute, IN
$12 course fee
Learn about the exciting and nourishing world of fermented vegetables, fruits, and grains. Lacto-fermented foods are not only easy and economical to make, they're also great for your health. Make your own fermented vegetables to take home and receive recipes for further adventures in lactic fermentation! To register call Clabber Girl Culinary Classroom at 812-478-7113. Registration paid on site the day of the workshop.

Backyard and Worm Composting
Thursday, March 18th 5:30pm-7pm
Location: Crestmont Community Garden and Pavilion
Join White Violet Center for Eco Justice’s education coordinator Candace Hack and MHC volunteer and compost master Tom Shelton to learn the basics of backyard and worm composting. Use composting to provide your soil with the nutrients it needs at no cost while cutting down on kitchen and yard waste. Tom will cover the basics of backyard composting, while Candace will provide a hands-on tutorial in worm composting. Vermicomposting is easy, fun, and great for families and classrooms. Participants will learn about red worms and how to care for them, see an example of a working bin, and learn how to build a bin from scratch. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Vegan Baking Basics
Tuesday, March 23rd 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Banneker Community Center Kitchen
Join MHC volunteer and vegan chef Gwyneth Johnstone to learn the basics of healthy baking without using animal-derived ingredients. Help to create and taste a healthy baked good and take home recipes to try out at home. Perfect introduction course for those seeking healthier and kinder alternatives for satisfying their sweet tooth! Gluten-free ingredient options will also be discussed. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Food Preservation
Thursday, April 1st 2010 6pm-8pm
Middleway House Food Works Kitchen
Learn the basics of the most common food preservation methods. Preserve your harvest this coming season, or preserve the bounty from the local Farmer's Market. This class is offered through People's University. To register visit People's University website through City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Website, or through the Winter Program Guide.

Introduction to Vegetable Gardening
Thursday, April 8th 2010 6:30pm-8pm
Banneker Community Center Kitchen and Garden
Learn the basics you need to start your own vegetable garden this season. We'll talk about soil preparation, choosing plant varieties, and a variety of organic gardening methods. This class is offered through People's University. To register visit People's University website through City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Website, or through the Winter Program Guide.

Homeward Bound 5K Walk
Sunday, April 18, 2010, 11:30am-4:00pm
Third Street Park, Bloomington
"Walk a day, change a life"
The 8th Annual Bloomington Homeward Bound Walk is a community event that benefits 12 local, non-profit agencies, all of which serve those suffering from homelessness in Monroe County. All funds raised through the walk stay local. Check out the Homeward Bound website for more information and to register to walk with the Hub! Last year our walkers raised enough support to fill MHC's pantry with food for 2 months!

Chickens in the City
Friday, April 23rd 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Conference Room
Join MHC and expert poultry folks to learn about the chicken ordinance in Bloomington and how you can have chickens in your backyard. Learn about having chickens in the city as well as practical information about chicken physiology, behavior, health, nutrition, different breeds, and avian flu. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

MHC Maple Valley Farm Tour
Thursday, April 29th 5:30pm
Meet at MHC at 5:10 to carpool, Location: Maple Valley Farm
Carpool out to one of Monroe County's most innovative farms, Maple Valley Farm, where cows, lamb, rabbits and chicken are raised on nutrient rich pasture. Hike the farm (be prepared, some parts are a bit rugged!), visit with the animals, and hear from farmer Larry Howard and his family about their farming techniques. Also learn about the Weston A. Price Foundation, and how farmers are learning to grow and raise food to benefit the health of their communities. Let us know if you need a ride or are willing to drive. To sign up for this farm tour contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Bread Baking
Monday, May 3rd 5:30-8:30
Location: Banneker Community Center Kitchen
Join Katie Zukof & Eric Schedler of Muddy Fork Bakery to learn the basics of baking your own bread from scratch. Home-baked bread is the most delicious, healthy, and by far the least expensive bread you can eat. In this class you'll learn just how easy and fun it is as well! This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Wild Edibles
Wednesday May 5th 6-7:30
Location: Banneker Center Kitchen
Join Lucille Bertuccio of the Center for Sustainable Living to learn how to identify and prepare wild edible plants common in the Midwest. Participants will tour the Banneker garden to look for wild edibles, and then prepare a meal for tasting in the kitchen. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Natural Allergy Relief
Thursday, May 13th 2010 6:30pm-7:30pm
MHC Conference Room at 1010 S. Walnut St.
Do you have seasonal or chronic allergies? Tired of the side effects of allergy meds but need them just the same? Learn ways to manage your symptoms naturally while retraining your body. Join Bloomington Naturopath Scarlett Winters and take control of your health today. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Eating Healthy on a Tight Budget
Wednesday, May 26th, 6pm-7:30pm
Location: MHC Conference Room
Ever noticed that the most healthy foods are more costly than the unhealthy choices? Join MHC to learn how you can eat healthfully without breaking the bank. In this workshop we will explore the many methods of eating well while maintaining nourishment and cost as priorities. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Herb Gardening
Thursday, June 10 5:30-7:30
Location: Banneker Community Center Garden
Join MHC staff to learn about growing and cultivating herbs, as well as their many culinary and medicinal uses. See our permaculture inspired herb spiral and learn about starting and propagating your own herbs. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at or 355-6843.

Season Extension $6 in-city/$7 non-city
Thursday, July 15 6pm-7:30pm
Location: Crestmont Community Gardens
Join MHC to learn how you can start planning now for a fall and even winter harvest! You’ll learn how to make a harvest calendar to know when to start your seeds, and methods of overwintering or covering vegetables when the frost comes. This class will be offered through People's University. To register visit People's University website through City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Website, or through the Summer Program Guide.