Youth project aims to donate 200 cookbooks to Huron County food banks

Sam Robinson has created a cookbook, available for purchase or free at local foodbanks, because of a grant from the Supporting Local Youth Program (SLYP).

Bayfield resident Sam Robinson won a Youth in Action grant sponsored by the Perth Huron United Way in 2024.

The grant helped Robinson create a microscope lending program through the Huron County Library.

This year, Robinson has been approved for a Supporting Local Youth Program (SLYP) grant offered by the Huron County Economic Department for a new project.

“I was volunteering at the local food bank and had an idea to make a cookbook for their clients with tips and tricks on how to use unusual items they find at the food bank, how to save money at the supermarket, how to create health meals or stretch their food budget, and reduce food waste,” explained Robinson.

The SLYP grant will allow youth the opportunity to make this cookbook a reality, and Robinson’s plan is to make this cookbook available for the public to purchase and make it available for clients at local food banks for free.

For every cookbook purchased ($20-$25) an additional cookbook will be donated to clients at food banks across Huron County. It is Robinson’s goal to provide 200 cookbooks to the area food banks.

The youth is hoping that the cookbook will provide people with the knowledge to create healthy and delicious meals using cheap ingredients, but he needs the support of the community to make it happen.

Robinson is currently inviting area residents to share their best recipes that fit the project criteria to be included in the cookbook.

Robinson hopes to have a cookbook launch in March and at the event he would like to hold a cooking contest for students and young adults.

He will look for teams of two to four to put their cooking skills to the test for a chance to win prizes.

Robinson is also in need of chefs to act as judges on the day of the launch.

For more information or to submit a recipe please visit clevercooksguidecookbook.wordpress.com

To purchase a cookbook in advance or to donate, to register for the cooking contest or volunteer to be a judge, email huroncommunitycookbook@gmail.com