Chef Peggy Fink-Geffell will teach cooking and food justice for just $1 at the United Presbyterian Church
By: Johanna Elattar
There was a time when the United Presbyterian Church in downtown Hornell hosted community dinners where people didn’t just come to eat—they came to cook, to learn, and to connect. Before the pandemic, these gatherings turned meal preparation into a communal effort, a chance for people to gain hands-on experience while creating something nourishing together. Now, that spirit is returning in the form of a new cooking class led by Chef Peggy Fink-Geffell, a woman with a remarkable culinary past and a deep commitment to food justice.
For just one dollar—though attendees are welcome to donate more to help fund ingredients—participants will get a hands-on experience in cooking nutritious meals. But this is not just about learning recipes. This is about giving people the tools they need to break free from the cycle of unhealthy eating, a cycle that is all too common in what Chef Peggy calls a “food desert.”
Peggy Fink-Geffell knows food. A graduate of the prestigious Cooking Institute, she made history in 1972 as one of the first women accepted into the program. At a time when professional kitchens were overwhelmingly male-dominated, she carved a place for herself, not just as a chef, but as a leader in the industry. For 12 years, she ran a successful catering business in Rochester called “Savory Time,” creating meals that delighted and satisfied. Yet, despite her success, she always knew that food was more than just a business—it was a necessity, a human right, and something that could be used to change lives.
Hornell, like many rural areas in upstate New York, has a problem. Fresh, healthy food is often hard to come by, while fast food and processed meals are everywhere. The result? An increasing number of people struggling with hunger, rising health issues like obesity and diabetes, and a general lack of nutritional education. “We have so many people in rural areas who have no nutritional knowledge,” Peggy explains. “They don’t know how to prepare healthy meals, and the only food available to them is often fast food, which is both expensive and unhealthy.” Her goal is simple: to empower people with the knowledge and skills to cook affordable, nutritious meals for themselves and their families.
The classes will be small—only eight people at a time—to ensure that everyone gets hands-on experience. Participants will not only learn how to prepare a healthy meal but will also receive recipes to take home, along with valuable lessons on nutrition. Discussions will focus on the dangers of empty calories, the importance of incorporating fresh ingredients, and practical ways to eat well on a budget. Peggy hopes to hold these classes twice a month, making them a staple of the Hornell community.
The first class will take place on March 25th from 1:00-3:00 PM at the United Presbyterian Church, where participants will learn how to make Tex-Mex lasagna—a flavorful, hearty dish that balances protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Those interested in joining can call 607-295-7279 to reserve a spot and to learn more about the April 2025 schedule and menu.
For Peggy, this initiative is just the beginning. She and her partner, Paul, are passionate advocates for social justice, having raised funds for humanitarian causes such as Gaza, Doctors Without Borders, and World Central Kitchen. Their work goes beyond the kitchen; it’s about ensuring that people have access to food, knowledge, and the resources to build a better life.
“This is just the start,” Peggy says with conviction. “With continued support, we can teach more people, introduce more nutritious recipes, and create a healthier, more food-secure community.”
For those who want to do more than just learn how to cook—who want to be part of something bigger, something that helps people live better—this cooking class is an opportunity. A chance to cook, to learn, and to give back. Because food isn’t just about survival. It’s about community. It’s about dignity. And, as Chef Peggy knows, it’s about change.
