Cooks for Health
Ages 2–24

Cooks for Health is our core program, offering hands-on cooking and nutrition education for young people ages 2–24. Partnering with schools and community groups, we tailor each 6–12 week series by grade level—Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and Teen. In class, we teach plant-based recipes, explore seasonal ingredients, build flavor, and help students identify and access healthy foods in their communities.

Cooks for Health Family
All ages

Our family program brings children and caregivers into the kitchen. Each family receives a free meal kit with fresh, local ingredients to feed 4–6 people, and joins a guided class—either on-site or virtually—with one of our educators. Recipes are plant-based, budget-friendly, and adaptable, helping families cook at home with healthy, seasonal ingredients.

Teen Culinary Apprenticeship (TCA)
Ages 16–18

The Teen Culinary Apprenticeship is a job readiness program for students ages 16-18. Using our Cooks for Health curriculum, we give students a strong foundation in plant-based cooking skills and nutrition education. Over 20 weeks of classes, students prepare for one of two tracks—teaching cooking classes or hospitality and culinary work-based learning experiences—each designed to build real-world skills, confidence, and leadership.

The Learning Garden @ Katchkie Farm

At our one-acre Learning Garden in Kinderhook, NY, we invite students of all ages to get their hands in the soil and discover where food comes from. We plant seeds, harvest produce, and cook simple meals in our outdoor kitchen—working with over 150 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. It’s a full-circle experience in gardening, seasonality, and fresh ingredients.