PEP says the proclamation signing served as “a powerful backdrop for the cookbook’s unveiling”
The Leadership Putnam Class of 2025 recently launched Thrifty Bites: A Collection of Affordable, Nutritious Meals. The community cookbook was created in partnership with the Putnam Education Partnership (PEP) Foundation to support local families in Putnam County.
“The project debuted during a special event at the Putnam County School System Central Office, where City and County Mayors also signed a joint proclamation recognizing National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week,” according to a release by PEP.
PEP says the proclamation signing served as “a powerful backdrop for the cookbook’s unveiling” while underscoring the community’s commitment to the community.
The goal is “addressing hunger, supporting vulnerable families and promoting access to nutritious food for all families and students.”
Thrifty Bites was created with these goals in mind:
- providing families with simple
- low-cost recipes they can prepare together
- regardless of their economic or living situations.
Thrifty Bites
The cookbook, which features meals that can feed a family of five for $10.00 or less, is designed to be both practical and engaging, according to the organization.
“Each recipe uses basic, budget-friendly ingredients to ensure accessibility for families throughout Putnam County. Leadership Putnam team members selected, prepared, photographed, designed and edited all recipes, bringing the project fully to life from concept to completion,” according to a release.
As part of “its ongoing efforts to support students and reduce barriers to food access” copies of Thrifty Bites will be printed and distributed by the PEP Foundation to families in the Putnam County School System, according to the organization.
“This project embodies what Leadership Putnam is all about,” said Angie Wells, Director of Leadership Putnam. “It brings together creativity, collaboration, and compassion to make a tangible difference in our community. The class poured their hearts into a project that not only feeds families but also nourishes hope.”
Katelyn Steakley, Executive Director of the PEP Foundation says the foundation is grateful.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Leadership Putnam Class of 2025, who worked so hard to bring this vision to life,” said Steakley. “As we observe Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, this cookbook is a meaningful reminder of how our community can come together to care for neighbors in need. Its release could not have come at a better time.”
Project sponsors included:
- Enbridge
- Print Link
- Kiwanis Club of Putnam County
- anonymous personal donors
- Power of Putnam
“The Leadership Putnam group sought to collaborate with several organizations to create book artwork, provide resources, and ensure meals met nutritional guidelines,” according to the release.
These partners include:
- Putnam County Health Department
- Putnam County Emergency Management
- Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
- Cookeville High School Nutrition Class
- Cookeville High School and Avery Trace Art Classes
The Leadership Putnam Class of 2025 team members who developed this project include:
- Debbie Hayes – Tennessee Heart
- Tina Flatt – Putnam County Assessor’s Office
- Joy Watkins – Franklin Fixtures
- Mike McDaniel
- Ashley Huffman – Waters Law
- Janice Scarlett – Tennessee Tech University Audit Department
For more information on Leadership Putnam, visit HERE or contact Angie Wells at (931) 526-2211. For more information about the PEP Foundation, visit www.peptn.org.
Pictured above courtesy of PEP – Back row, from l. to r.: Grace Johnson – PEP Community Coordinator; Dr. Lamar Smith – PCSS Family Engagement Supervisor; Kristy Hunt – Director of Family Resource Center; Ben Rodgers – PEP Foundation Treasurer; Corby King – Director of Schools; Katelyn Steakley – PEP Executive Director; Eddie Farris – Sheriff; Heath Waters – PEP Vice President; Brandon Smith – PEP Board of Directors; Adam West – PEP Board of Directors. Front Row, l. to r.: Alex Garcia – PEP Board of Directors; Mayor Randy Porter; Mayor Laurin Wheaton; Mayor Danny Holmes
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