Hosting a kids' cooking program is one thing, but the Agape Centre in Ontario takes this idea to new heights by having kids prepare food with produce they've grown and harvested.
The Curious Chefs program is a five-week cooking class that puts an emphasis on encouraging food literacy by teaching kids about healthy eating on a budget, kitchen safety, nutritious school lunches, perfect portions, food groups, food labels and gardening.
The sessions begin by having kids learn to plant, care for and harvest produce from the Agape food bank and soup kitchen's own garden. What is not needed for the cooking class is packaged for use by the food bank. The second part of the classes involves preparing an entrée and a dessert, with enough to take home and share. Kids are also challenged in a Fear Factor-style to experiment with tasting food that may be new to them like kale, asparagus, or pomegranate.
As it becomes more important to understand the journey food takes from farm to table, programs like this one will become invaluable for preparing the next generation to make healthy choices.
Gardener Cooking Clubs
This Agape Centre Program Has Kids Cooking with Food They Harvested
Trend Themes
1. Kids' Gardening Programs - There is an opportunity for companies to develop similar programs in other communities, as more emphasis is being placed on understanding the journey from farm to table.
2. Food Literacy Education - Businesses can create innovative ways to educate people of all ages about the importance of healthy eating on a budget, as this trend becomes increasingly important.
3. Food Bank Gardens - As the popularity of community gardens grows, many industries, such as agriculture and food banks, have the opportunity to develop garden programs to better serve their communities.
Industry Implications
1. Education and Training - There is a need for companies that develop educational programs to focus on food literacy education as it becomes a more significant factor in healthy living.
2. Food and Beverage - Both food and beverage companies can benefit from understanding the journey between farm to table, which may result in more effective, mindful, and environmentally friendly product sourcing.
3. Non-profit and Community Organizations - Businesses can partner with these community organizations to create programs with a similar focus that give back to the community helping to increase impact and engagement with consumers.