To empower young minds with culinary skills and nutritional knowledge, Assistance League of Bend’s These Kids Are Cookin’ program recently returned to local Title 1-A elementary schools. Bear Creek Elementary School in Bend and M.A. Lynch Elementary School in Redmond welcomed the initiative, offering low-income 4th and 5th graders the opportunity to explore the world of cooking.

During the after-school cooking sessions, students participated in a hands-on learning experience, mastering basic culinary techniques alongside essential lessons in kitchen safety and nutrition. The program emphasized the importance of healthy eating habits, with students gaining insights into what constitutes a balanced diet while honing practical skills like knife handling and table setting.

Over the course of four weeks, these aspiring chefs explored a variety of cuisines, including a class on traditional Chinese dishes like fried rice and wonton soup, among others. From chopping and slicing to sautéing and seasoning, each lesson combined culinary education with cultural awareness. One young participant even shared that his favorite part was chopping onions!

To help reinforce healthy eating practices beyond the classroom, each student was gifted a cookbook filled with recipes from the program, complete with valuable tips on food safety and mindful consumption.