Free Summer Cooking Classes For Middle-Schoolers

Kalamazoo Valley Community College is offering a free virtual cooking program called The Learning Kitchen this summer to culinary-curious middle school students. The six-week course is an experiential culinary and nutrition education program that teaches students how to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals, develop healthy eating habits and have fun while learning to cook. The Learning Kitchen was developed by Hunger Free Vermont to educate youth to plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks on a limited budget.

The Learning Kitchen is made possible by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) funding through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. SNAP-Ed is an education program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that teaches people eligible for SNAP how to live healthier lives.

Classes are held via Zoom and led by Dietitian Corrine Bieber-Peak, RD., and Kalamazoo Valley Community Culinary and Nutrition Program Coordinator and Chef Lizzie Luchsinger.

"Students will learn how to prepare delicious meals featuring affordable fruits and vegetables that support their health and well-being," said Bieber-Peak. "In addition to gaining experience in the kitchen, students will learn about their local food system, local farmers and food producers who provide ingredients for the recipes."

Recipe ingredients are provided by regional farmers and suppliers at ValleyHUB, an urban farm, food hub and education center at Kalamazoo Valley's Food Innovation Center. Ingredients can be picked up the day before each class from Kalamazoo Valley's Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building in downtown Kalamazoo.

"The Learning Kitchen is a fun, interactive program that gives students the skills to increase their confidence and independence in the kitchen," said Luchsinger. "It is also a great way to inspire students to make healthier food choices for life."

Students have the option to select late afternoon or evening sessions:

Thursdays | July 18 - Aug. 22 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Thursdays | July 18 - Aug. 22 | 6 - 7 p.m.

The Learning Kitchen Menu:

Week One Theme: More Produce Please Rainbow Pizza
Week Two Theme: Go-To Grains Tuscan Pasta
Week Three Theme: Strong and Healthy Garden Grilled Cheese and Kale Chips
Week Four Theme: Shopping and Planning Spinach Quesadillas with Cowboy Caviar
Week Five Theme: Grocery Store "Tour" Revamped Ramen
Week Six Theme: Putting it All Together Black Bean Enchiladas

To enroll in The Learning Kitchen, eligible students must be entering grades 6 - 8 and committed to attending a minimum of five of six weekly classes.

This project was funded in whole or in part by the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Fitness Foundation. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

For additional information, email .