Nourishing NYC’s Junior Chef Program

Nourishing NYC is a community food program located in East Harlem that seeks to provide nutrition for all. Their mission is to alleviate the strong correlation between low-income status and poor dietary health by providing nutritious meals and educational programming in a safe and caring environment where all are welcome.

Among their many and varied innovative programs for children, adults and seniors, the organization offers the Junior Chef program, a culinary arts and nutrition education program for children ages 6-13. Students visit the kitchen for five weeks at a time to learn the ins and outs of the hospitality industry, from prep to plate.

These hands-on classes give children the opportunity to gain skills in the kitchen by learning to make healthy, easy-to-prepare meals. In addition to the direct training, the students receive materials to prepare the meals at home with their families, plus a local gym membership to engage in physical activity. By taking the skills that they learn in the kitchen home to their families, students are able to teach their family members about healthy eating, while acquiring a comprehensive introduction to the hospitality industry.

Nourishing NYC also has a Teen Chef program for teenagers ages 14-18. To learn more about the Junior Chef or Teen Chef programs, visit Nourishing NYC’s website.