Discover Your Inner Chef!
Welcome!
The Discover Your Inner Chef! webpage was created to help you and your family eat healthy when on a budget. It includes information and tools to help you learn about following Canada’s Food Guide, menu planning, smart shopping, cooking at home and using leftovers.
All of these concepts are captured in two educational resources:
NEW Food Budgeting Online Learning Modules
- These modules complement the Food Budget Kit, by providing in-depth, practical education on food budgeting skills. Some of the interactive features of the modules include videos, case scenarios, quizzes, recipes and more!
- To try the modules, click the computer icon to the right to see the table of contents, or scroll down the page and choose the module you want from the topics listed!
Food Budget Kit
- The kit includes information and tools to help develop food budgeting skills. Some of the contents in the kit include: Canada’s Food Guide, a Menu Planner, quick and healthy low-cost recipes, spices/herbs for cooking, a canned food strainer, measuring spoons and more!
- For your free Food Budget Kit, please call Durham Health Connection Line at 1-800-841-2729 or click on the link to the right to order online.
Canada’s Food Guide
… offers healthy choices to maximize your food budget and save!- Learning Module 1 – Introduction and Canada’s Food Guide
This module includes instructions on using the modules and a general overview of food budgeting.
- Order your FREE copy of Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide
- Canada’s Food Guide in 10 Different Languages
- Everybody’s Food Budget Book Step 1 - Follow Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide (PDF)
Planning ahead
… helps you control your food budget and save!
- Order your free Menu Planner
- Eat Right Ontario My Menu Planner
- Everybody’s Food Budget Book Step 2 - Plan a Menu (PDF)
Shop smart
… get to know your grocery store and save!
- Discover Your Inner Chef! Budget-Wise Pantry List (PDF)
- Start Cooking! Stocking Your Food Cupboard
- Foodland Ontario Fruits & Vegetables Availability Guide
- Everybody’s Food Budget Book Steps 3 & 4 - Make a Shopping List & Smart Shopping (PDF)
- Everybody’s Food Budget Book Step 5 - Store it Right to Prevent Waste (PDF)
- Virtual Grocery Store
Discover your inner chef
… cook at home and save!
- The Basic Shelf Cookbook
Recipes prepared from one list of low cost, nutritious ingredients - order yours for only $7.50 - Order your free recipe booklets:
- Start Cooking!
- Budget-Wise Recipes
Use your leftovers
… to create something new and save!
- Learning Module 5 – Using Leftovers
This module includes an evaluation of the modules and a certificate of completion.
The first 50 people who complete the evaluation will be entered into a draw to WIN a COOKING BASKET!
- Everybody’s Food Budget Book Step 6 - Using Leftovers (PDF)
- Everybody’s Food Budget Book - “Catch-all” Casserole from Leftovers (PDF)
- Recipes for Leftovers:
Other Helpful Resources
- Food in Durham, 2011/2012 Edition (PDF)
A brochure that provides a list of key contact numbers where food can be found throughout Durham Region. Updated annually.
- Food Resource Directory (PDF)
A resource that aids Durham Region residents in accessing sufficient, nutritious food by providing a list of locations where food is available throughout Durham Region.
- Finding a Food Bank in your area:
- Quit Smoking Programs & Resources
A brochure that provides information on Quit Smoking Programs & Resources available in Durham Region. Smoking is an additional cost to you and your family. By quitting smoking, you’ll be improving your health while having that extra money to use on healthy foods.
- Contact a Registered Dietitian for free and ask questions about healthy eating - online, by phone or by e-mail!
- School Breakfast & Snack Programs
), please download the latest