FeedMore WNY’s Kids in the Kitchen Program is Nourishing our Youth

Not only is food insecurity a reality for many children in Western New York, but many children also lack proper nutrition education. These alone or combined can make it challenging for children to make healthy food choices each day. That is why FeedMore WNY offers a Kids in the Kitchen program that is making a difference one session at a time. This hands-on nutrition education workshop teaches kids about healthy eating and the essential culinary skills that empower them to make nutritious choices for life.

The Kids in the Kitchen program is designed to give children a strong foundation in nutrition by focusing on the USDAs MyPlate guidelines. Over the course of five weeks, participants explore different food groups such as fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy through interactive cooking sessions. Along the way, they learn essential kitchen skills like proper knife handling, food measurement, and safe preparation techniques. The program is done in a small group format with about 12 children per session for individualized attention and support. This structure allows kids to engage deeply, ask questions, and receive support as they build their confidence in the kitchen.

By partnering with schools eligible for FeedMore WNYs BackPack Program, which provides students with free nutritious food to take home on the weekends, as well as other schools outside the program, Kids in the Kitchen reinforces healthy eating habits using ingredients accessible through both programs. This allows the program to address the issue of food insecurity as well. At the end of each session, students receive a bag filled with ingredients to recreate the recipe at home with their families. These take-home kits not only reinforce the lessons learned in class but also provide much-needed food support over the weekends.