Food as Medicine Events and Classes

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Culinary Medicine Events

john and carrie hayden community learning kitchen Join us in the new John & Carrie Hayden Community Learning Kitchen, the region’s first Academic Community Learning Kitchen, a 1,409-square-foot kitchen featuring five hands-on cooking stations designed for learning by doing. Bright and spacious, the Learning Kitchen features individual cooking stations designed for hands-on learning, with generous countertops and seating around a central bar that encourages conversation and connection. Led by Chef Stephanie White, EdD, a chef, educator and researcher, the Culinary Medicine Program translates nutrition science into real-world skills. Classes make healthy eating practical, enjoyable, and empowering.

John & Carrie Hayden Community Learning Kitchen Location

The John & Carrie Hayden Community Learning Kitchen in the Osher Wellness Suite is on the 5^th Floor of the Blood Cancer Healing Center 3232 Healing Way, Cincinnati, OH 45229 with free, on-site parking available in the attached garage. If entering from the parking garage, head straight back past the registration desk to the elevators (on your left). Take the elevators to level 5. Once off the elevators, enter through the double doors and head straight back to the Learning Kitchen. Note: Bus stop (lines 51, 46, 36) available in front of the building 3229 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati OH 45229.

Upcoming Culinary Classes | Be the first to experience the community learning kitchen

Enjoy reduced-rate programming in March plus, anyone who registers for a learning kitchen class in March & April will be entered to win a Vitamix 7500 G Blender!

people cooking together at teaching kitchen event with fresh food such as corn, lettuce, onions, and whole grain pasta

UC Cancer Survivorship & Supportive Services Program
Reclaim the Table: Nutrition and Cooking workshop for those affected by cancer | Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

You’ll learn how to build simple, delicious whole grain bowls using everyday ingredients.
We’ll cook together, explore easy ways to add color, fiber, and protein for overall health, and prepare homemade dressings you can use all week.
Along the way, we’ll talk about practical strategies for planning quick, balanced meals that fit into a healthy lifestyle.
No cooking experience required, and a healthy lunch is included!

Cost: $25 includes an evidence-based presentation, learning kitchen experience, and healthy meal. Register via the Osher Registration System. First time logging in or need assistance? View the Osher Registration System Guide.

Culinary Skills for Self Care | Knife Skills | May 12, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m.

Confident knife skills are the foundation of healthy, home-cooked meals. In this hands-on kitchen class, participants will learn how to safely and efficiently use a chef’s knife to prepare everyday ingredients for nutritious recipes. Guided by Chef Stephanie White, EdD, you’ll practice essential techniques such as proper grip, safe cutting motions, and basic cuts on common vegetables and fruits to create a simple lunch to enjoy at the end of the class. We’ll also discuss how building comfort with a knife can make cooking at home faster, more enjoyable, and more realistic for busy schedules.
No prior experience is required—this class is designed for beginners and home cooks looking to strengthen their skills, reduce kitchen injuries, and feel more empowered to cook healthy meals from scratch.
Cost: $30 includes an evidence-based presentation, learning kitchen experience, and healthy meal. Register via the Osher Registration System. First time logging in or need assistance? View the Osher Registration System Guide.

Culinary Medicine for Everyday Eating: Gut Health | May 27, 2026, from noon-2 p.m.

Dive into the world of culinary medicine with this hands-on class that brings evidence-based practices to life in the kitchen! Join Dr. Lauri Nandyal and Chef Stephanie in the John and Carrie Hayden Learning Community kitchen to explore the role of integrative gut health. This session will examine how digestion and gut health influence health outcomes, including the role of the gut-brain connection and the gut microbiome.
Participants will gain hands-on experience preparing a nourishing meal to enjoy at the end of the class, while learning practical tips for incorporating gut-friendly ingredients into their weekly routine.
Cost: $75 includes an evidence-based presentation, learning kitchen experience, and healthy meal. Register via the Osher Registration System. First time logging in or need assistance? View the Osher Registration System Guide.

Collaborative Teaching Kitchen Events around Cincinnati

The Osher Center partners with Teaching Kitchens around Cincinnati to offer experiential learning opportunities focused on food as medicine for patients, students, and the community to learn from our physicians and cook a healthy meal.

Turner Farm Teaching Kitchen events occur in Indian Hill, Ohio. Past events have included Optimizing Your Brain Health through Farm Fresh Foods (Mladen Golubic, MD, PhD), Cooking for Cancer Prevention & Recurrence (Mladen Golubic, MD, PhD), and Preventing Cancer through Healthy Choices: A Scientific Approach (Rekha Chaudhary, MD).
The Food as Medicine Series at the Cr(EAT)e Culinary Studio at the Cincinnati Museum Center has featured topics such as Cooking for Gut Health (Lauri Nandyal, MD)

Save the Date for Upcoming Teaching Kitchen Events

5/26/2026: Food as Medicine Series: Food & Blue Zones with Dr. Jinda Bowerman, DNP, at the Barn Studio at Turner Farm
7/14/2026: Food & Cardiovascular Health with Florence Rothenberg, MD, at the Barn Studio at Turner Farm

Learn More about Culinary Medicine

UC Health Thrive & Be Well UC Points

UC Health Associates

UC Health associates are eligible for up to 200 THRIVE points per month for attending Integrative Medicine classes/events. How to redeem points in the THRIVE app: click on “Rewards.” Scroll down to “Integrative Medicine.” Fill in all required fields and upload proof (registration confirmation, etc.) then click “submit.”

Be Well UC - UC Faculty/Staff

Eligible faculty and staff can earn 1,000+ Be Well UC points in the Personify Health portal with UC’s employee wellness program for attending offerings with the Osher Center for Integrative Health, and earn up to $300 every calendar year. Get started by creating an account or logging in, click the “Home” icon near the top, then, click “Rewards”. Scroll (or search) to the “Participation” category. Click “Attend a UC sponsored event”. Fill out a brief form and submit!