Healthy Living Together Series Encourages Family Fun in the Kitchen with “Cooking with Kids”

Guest Speaker: Taryn Strausser, Mama’s Mission

McKenzie Health System will continue its 2026 Healthy Living Together series with a fun and educational session designed to inspire healthy habits and family connection. The next event, titled “Cooking with Kids,” will be presented by Taryn Strausser of Mama’s Mission on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

The session will take place in person in the McKenzie Dining Room, located at 120 Delaware Street in Sandusky, with a virtual option available for those who wish to participate remotely.

During this engaging presentation, Strausser will share practical tips for involving children in meal preparation, encouraging healthy eating habits, and creating positive experiences in the kitchen. Participants will learn age-appropriate ways to include children in cooking activities, discover simple recipes families can make together, and explore how cooking can help build confidence, life skills, and stronger family relationships.

“Cooking together is about so much more than preparing a meal,” said Nina Barnett, McKenzie Public Relations and Foundation Coordinator and Healthy Living Committee Chair. “It provides opportunities to teach healthy habits, encourage creativity, build confidence, and create lasting family memories. We are excited to welcome Taryn and share ideas that families can put into practice right away.”

The Healthy Living Together series provides free, monthly educational opportunities designed to support the health and wellness of individuals and families in Sanilac County and beyond. Each session is offered in person from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. as well as having a virtual option available.

Below is the updated remaining 2026 Healthy Living Together schedule and locations:

· June 17: Cooking with Kids Taryn Strausser from Mama’s Mission Location: McKenzie Hospital Campus Dining Room, 120 Delaware Street, Sandusky, MI 48471

· July 15: Preserving MI Harvest: Preserving Summer Fruit Laurie Messing, Food Safety Educator, MSU Extension Location: McKenzie Hospital Campus Dining Room, 120 Delaware Street, Sandusky, MI 48471

· August 19: Digital Safety for Seniors – Avoiding Scams Thumb Bank & Trust: Kelly Gerstenberger, Market President; Holly Bonesteel, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager; Tabitha Ellul, Business Development Specialist Location: Liberty Lanes, 100 Kristian St, Sandusky, MI 48471

· September 16: Stop the Bleed, Hands Only CPR, & Home Firearm Safety Morgan Fraley, BSN, RN, Stop the Bleed Specialist; Melissa Govea, American Heart Association CPR Instructor; Steve McKenney, Sandusky Chief of Police Location: Liberty Lanes, 100 Kristian St, Sandusky, MI 48471

· October 21: Aging Well Through Nutrition and Lifestyle Olivia Mantei from StoryPoint Group at Stonegate Assisted Living Location: Liberty Lanes, 100 Kristian St, Sandusky, MI 48471

· November 18: Estate Planning Basics – Wills, Power of Attorney, Trusts, Ladybird Deed, and More Michael Rolando, Attorney, Biddinger, Schrot & Rolando, PC Location: McKenzie Hospital Campus Dining Room, 120 Delaware Street, Sandusky, MI 48471

All sessions are open to the public and free to attend. For more information or to register, please visit McKenzie Health System Healthy Living page or call 810-648-6127.

Healthy Living Together is a collaborative project developed by McKenzie Health System in partnership with the Sanilac County Health Department, MSU Extension, Great Start Collaborative Sanilac, and Sanilac County Community Mental Health. The series is designed to offer helpful tools, knowledge, and resources that support the health and wellness of individuals and families throughout Sanilac County.