Parents, moms in particular, struggling with creating healthy meals for themselves and families might find assistance through tonight’s Family Kitchen program being held at The Morgan Center, located at 2840 Lynn Rd. in Tryon.

Extension agent Jimmi Buell will be on hand June 27 at 6:30 p.m. to teach mothers about meal planning, prep and practical tips for successful meals.

The Family Kitchen is an outreach series presented by Changing Lives Moms Group and sponsored by EarthFare Markets and the NC State Polk Cooperative Extension office. The event will include food provided by EarthFare, childcare and hands-on activities to help a mother map out a week’s worth of meals.

Desiree Paradis, who is leading the local Changing Lives moms group, said she wants moms to know they don’t have to drive to Asheville or Spartanburg to find a supportive moms group.

“You can have moms groups where you just socialize, but I think we need more,” said organizer Desiree Paradis. “If we don’t build ourselves up then how can we take care of our families.”

What Paradis said she hopes to cultivate is a group that has a positive impact on families by empowering mothers through practical knowledge and support.