Hyde County Cooperative Extension and the Hyde County Health Department are partnering to hold “Healthy Hyde Cooking Classes” with an emphasis on learning how to make one’s favorite dishes in a more healthy way.

According to Stacey Midgett, agent with the Extension and one of the leaders of the classes, there are three scheduled sessions open to the public: Oct. 27 (already passed), Nov. 5 and Nov. 12. Midgett is leading the classes with Anna Schafer from the health department.

Despite the planning and distributing fliers, Midgett said they have only a small number of people who have signed up — but no matter, they are still encouraging residents to join them for the next two sessions.

“It’s basically just learning to cook your favorite foods in a lighter and healthier way,” she said. “It’s just real small and informal.”

Midgett said there is no cost to attend, as the health department gave grant money to cover the costs of food and cooking supplies.

According to the flier for the event, the class will involve participants cooking a healthy meal for dinner that night under the direction of the class leaders, and participants will also learn healthy cooking tips to use at home.

“People are always wanting to learn how to cook healthier,” Midgett said. “We just put this together hoping it could serve people who are more interested in stuff like that.”

The next two cooking classes are scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., both days, on Nov. 5 at the Hyde County Government Center’s teaching kitchen in Swan Quarter and Nov. 12 at Mt. Olive Church in Ponzer. To sign up, contact Anna Schafer at 252-926-4381 or Stacey Midgett at 252-926-4487. You must pre-register to attend.