On Saturday, June 3rd, Driscoll Health Plan and Fishing's Future joined forces to organize the inaugural "Hook It 2 Cook It" event in Hidalgo, Texas. The primary objective of this event was to provide families from South Texas with a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Participants, including both children and adults, had the opportunity to acquire essential fishing skills and discover how to prepare a healthy meal using their catch. Driscoll Health Plan generously sponsored a catch tank where attendees could engage in hands-on fishing activities at various circuit stations. These interactive stations allowed anglers to try their luck at hooking a fish. Moreover, live demonstrations were conducted to teach individuals how to clean, fillet, and prepare their catch in a nutritious manner. Participants received instruction on various aspects, including tying knots, ensuring safety, and practicing stewardship, assembling fishing equipment and tackle, understanding regulations and ethical guidelines, casting techniques, identifying different fish species, and comprehending fish habitats. In collaboration with the RGV Food Bank, the event also incorporated live demonstrations and provided food safety tips. Attendees learned how to properly store and cook a healthy meal, further emphasizing the connection between fishing and nutritious eating habits. One of the significant benefits of focusing on skill education within the community is the potential to address health disparities through nature. By encouraging participation in outdoor activities like fishing, this event aimed to improve the physical, behavioral, and mental well-being of local children and their families. To ensure a memorable experience for everyone involved, the event featured additional activities such as sensory exploration, painting, and, of course, fishing. These engaging elements contributed to the overall enjoyment and community spirit of the occasion. In summary, "Hook It 2 Cook It" marked an important milestone as Driscoll Health Plan and Fishing's Future collaborated to offer families in South Texas an exceptional learning opportunity. By imparting fishing skills and promoting the preparation of healthy meals, the event aimed to empower individuals while addressing health disparities through nature-based engagement.
