Aurora food pantry opens outdoor cooking classes June 17

Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry in Aurora will open five outdoor cooking classes Saturday, June 17.

Classes will be held in Marie's garden kitchen, a community garden nearby the pantry, at 835 Highland Ave. in Aurora.

Admission and parking are free.

The series opens Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. with "Cooking with Fresh Garden Herbs!" by Wendy Reed, chef at Gaetano's in Batavia.

Reed will explore making a delicious lunch with fresh garden herbs and homegrown goodies.

The series continues with:

• June 24 at 2 p.m.-"Heal your Body with Herbs" by Aurora nutritionist Deepa Deshmukh

• July 19 at 9 a.m.-"Summer Garden Cooking" by Wendy Reed

• Sept. 2 at 9:30 a.m.-"Marinara Sauce: Cooking with Kids"

• Sept. 2 at 11:30 a.m. - "Tortilla Pizza: Cooking with Kids"

Register for classes at eventbrite.com/cc/cooking-classes-in-maries-garden-kitchen-2206709.

The series is presented by Charity Blooms, a nonprofit which operates the community garden in partnership with the food pantry.

Charity Blooms provides volunteer opportunities to grow fresh garden produce through sustainable agriculture practices.

Diane Renner, pantry executive director, said "Plate by plate, our community grows stronger and healthier - together!"

For more information, call (630) 897-5431 or visit mwfoodpantry.org or charityblooms.org.