Is it still possible to create affordable yet nutritious dishes during this COVID-19 pandemic? The answer is – Yes. It is during these trying times that mothers need to be extra creative in cooking dishes that are simple, easy to prepare, easy on the pocket, and most importantly, nutritious. We all need to be healthy to fight off infections (particularly, coronavirus!) and this starts by having good nutrition.

The National Nutrition Council-NCR in partnership with the Association of Nutrition Action Officers of NCR, Inc. (ANAO-NCR) have found a way to engage the general public in learning simple yet affordable and nutritious recipes through an online cooking demonstration entitled, “Cooking with Chef Melissa”.

Chef Melissa S. Oreta is the current President of the ANAO-NCR, Inc. She is also the Nutrition Action Officer ng Malabon City and wife of Mayor Lenlen Oreta. Chef Oreta was also the Program Director of the Center for Culinary Arts from 2009 to 2016.

As part of NNC-NCR’s digital campaign of this year’s Nutrition Month, the 4-part series of cooking demonstration aims to encourage families to prepare simple dishes, made from ingredients from their “family food packs” or food items that are easy to buy and budget-friendly.

The online cooking demonstrations will be aired via the NNC-NCR Facebook fan page every Friday, 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon, during Nutrition Month. Chef Melissa will demonstrate how to prepare healthy dishes, making them “stariray” or appetizing especially for kids. In the first of the 4-part series shown on July 3, Chef Melissa demonstrated how to prepare “Crispy Fish Fillet with Mango Salsa” with tilapia, mango and other ingredients. The dish is rich in protein, vitamin A and C that can help boost the immune system.

Through these virtual cooking demonstrations, NNC-NCR hopes that despite this COVID-19 pandemic, netizens will learn how to make simple, affordable, and healthy “stariray” dishes for their families. (ELF/MEVF/NNC-NCR)