A handful of congressmen were scheduled to attend Common Threads’ first annual D.C. World Festival at the Carnegie Institute on Wednesday night, but they were no-shows, thanks to the political gridlock over the federal budget. The event, which helps to raise awareness for after-school programs, was hosted by Art Smith, Common Threads co-founder and former personal chef to Oprah Winfrey. Smith started the organization to educate low-income families about healthy eating and cooking. According to Ogemdi Ukwuani, an 11-year-old student in the Common Threads program, it’s working.
Ukwuani told Yeas & Nays that the program has taught him how to handle a knife when cooking, make healthier choices at the grocery store and prepare some of his favorite dishes. Asked whether he cooks more now that he knows how to cook properly, he said he does, but not because anyone makes him do it. “I do it because I feel like it,” he smiled.
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Linda O’Keefe, executive director of Common Threads, said the program helps more than 1,300 kids per year.
“We want to reclaim the family meal. Kids who eat meals with their families four times per week are significantly less likely to engage in alcohol and drug abuse,” she said.
While the congressmen were absent, former presidential candidate Ralph Nader made an appearance at the evening’s event. “Top Chef D.C.” winner Kevin Sbraga, “Top Chef All-Stars” fan favorite Carla Hall, Citronelle’s Michel Richard, Equinox’s Todd Gray, and the Source’s chef Scott Drewno contributed their culinary clout and care to help promote the festival.
