Cook. Eat. Grow. Cooking Classes

In the summer of 2016, FoodChain piloted the first series of Cook. Eat. Grow. cooking classes for area youth!  During the summer we hosted a 7-week program for youth from three neighboring elementary schools. Students in our classes became “sous chefs” while they learned basic cooking techniques, nutrition, and worked with local, fresh produce. At their graduation, they made the main dish for a potluck shared with their parents, siblings, friends, and all the volunteers and chefs they cooked with!

Although the program has seen many changes since its inaugural session, this same backbone of instruction remains. However, now we have a Teaching Kitchen! Hosting our classes on-site has allowed us to expand class times and incorporate LOTS of hot cooking while still utilizing local, seasonal ingredients. In addition to teaching about cooking techniques, seasonality and nutrition, we have incorporated kitchen, food and knife safety into our curriculum as well.

Our focus is still set on our closest elementary schools. Each continuing to have the highest rates of Free & Reduced Lunch, indicating low-resource and food-insecure families. As we encourage youth, through all of our programs, to cook with fresh ingredients, plan healthy meals, and visit and participate in the local farmers market, we hope to not only increase access for these families, but also empower a culture around local, affordable and healthy eating.

If you are interested in volunteering or interning with these cooking classes fill out this form and email education@foodchainlex.org.

Also, here is a wishlist of items you can contribute to our upcoming Teaching Kitchen

How YOU can GET INVOLVED

Donate! With your help, we can make this program a success! First, we must raise $5000 for ingredients, equipment, etc. Please consider contributing today.

Gather Support! If you know of a business or company willing to sponsor part or all of the program, please forward them our Sponsorship Packet or contact us at Info@foodchainlex.org.

Volunteer! We are always in need of some extra hands around here.