We chatted with Juanita, a long-time resident who shares her cooking with her neighbors whenever possible.

DISH: What is your favorite thing to cook?

Juanita: My favorite thing is chicken wings with yams, cabbage, or cornbread. I like grits and eggs with toast.

DISH: Where do you go for groceries?

Juanita: I normally go to Safeway or Food Co. Corner stores are too expensive. Once a week on Monday's, I bring fresh produce through City Impact.

DISH: How do you use the community kitchen?

Juanita: I use the stoke, but I don't bake much unless it's cornbread or I might bake a cake around the holidays. Even if it weren't to share with the building, I'd still cook a large meal for the holidays.

DISH: How did you become interested in cooking with and for your community?

Juanita: I'm cooking at least 3 to 4 times a week. Sometimes I help with the holiday meals. I like to make basically what your mother would put on the table. I just enjoy cooking. When I cook, a lot of people gravitate to the kitchen. I don't have a lot, but I at least have a little to share. I have six children and I come from a large family growing up, and my mom always made large quantities. I enjoy sharing and eating with other people. I enjoy watching people enjoy my meals. It's important for my health also. As I'm getting older, I pay attention to what I eat.

DISH: Do you have any cooking advice for your neighbors or DISH?

Juanita: You [DISH] could do a cooking class - microwave, the actual oven, crockpot. I believe a lot of people do use it [crockpots]. Not a whole lot of people use the actual kitchen. I suppose people don't take the time to go shopping and food isn't affordable. Some type of voucher or stipend could be given. You [DISH] could help them pick things they can make using the stove.

DISH: What do you like to cook with?

Juanita: Just salt and pepper, and a little garlic salt.