Common Threads

Common Threads helps bridge cultural boundaries and strengthens our global family by teaching children about their similarities and differences in the warm comfort of the kitchen: their mission is to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical well-being and to foster an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking. Through the simple process of preparing and sharing a nutritious meal, children who participate in their programs learn to connect with their bodies, their neighbors and their world in bite-size lessons.

Based in the Chicago, IL area as well as in Los Angeles, CA, Common Threads offers afterschool programming along with a summer camp program to children ages 8-12. Participants learn about basic kitchen skills, cooking techniques and the importance of fresh ingredients as they prepare healthy ethnic cuisine together. Chef Instructors incorporate nutrition tips and cultural information into lessons that teach the students how to connect with their bodies, their neighbors, and their world in a healthy way.

Upon completion of Common Threads’ programs, 81% of students report that they eat breakfast more often, 82% limit their junk/fast food intake to one or fewer times per week and 70% eat more fruits and vegetables. These “small bites” add up to big improvements in kids’ health and well-being! Moreover, children who participate in Common Threads’ programming embark on a world adventure as they prepare nutritious meals rooted in diverse cultural heritages. By using the power of food to show how much we have in common with our neighbors, this organization teaches children that there are more similarities than differences with one another.

Visit Common Threads’ website to learn more about their programs.