Michelle Priddy, a stay-at-home mom in a single-income family, has spent the past 11 years gaining hands-on experience in stretching her food budget. She shared that wisdom with participants in the “Kitchen Strategies to Stretch the Food Dollar” class held in the Marion-Polk Food Share Community Kitchen on Jan. 18.

Participants of all ages came away with good information and handouts. They also helped prepare the simple chicken soup and bread lunch that they enjoyed. All for $5. To be sure, we hope to have Michelle back again.

Michelle also teaches at Salem Evangelical Church and is a member of Yamhill County Gleaners. She has produced the START CHART recipe booklet, a handy guide to creating your own recipes using what you have on hand. It is available to order for $10.

For information on upcoming classes or connecting with Michelle, contact Kat Daniel at Marion-Polk Food Share, 503-581-3855, ext. 322.

"Delicious, Nutritious Meals On A Shoestring," taught by Penny Strand and Janet Rogers, will be held 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 24. Register by Friday, Jan. 20 by calling Kat Daniel. The cost is $5.

Photos: Top - From left, class participants Lyndsy Houser, Selene Zeisler, Maria Valencia. Bottom - Michelle Priddy.