Summer Youth
Culinary Program
What Is the Summer Youth Culinary Program?
The Feed the Mass Summer Youth Culinary Program is a 9-week, hands-on cooking program for youth ages 11–18. Students will learn real kitchen skills, explore food from different cultures, and build confidence through guided cooking classes.
Participants will meet every Wednesday from June 24, 2026, through August 19, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, for guided learning, skill-building, and practical experience in a supportive community environment.
Parents are welcome to stay.
Hands-On Cooking Classes for Young Chefs
Feed the Mass helps youth build confidence, creativity, responsibility, and life skills through food. Each class gives students a chance to learn, cook, taste, and grow in a safe and welcoming kitchen environment.
1
Learn Kitchen Skills
Students will learn kitchen safety, sanitation, safe food handling, recipe reading, measuring, prepping, and how to use kitchen tools correctly.
2
Cook With Confidence
Each class gives students guided practice preparing food, following step-by-step instructions, working with ingredients, and building confidence in the kitchen.
3
Explore Food and Culture
Students will cook recipes inspired by different cultures and regions, including North India, West Africa, Thailand, France, Lebanon, the Caribbean, Spain, and Japan.
4
Build Life Skills
Students will practice teamwork, communication, time management, creativity, problem-solving, and pride in making something with their own hands.
What Will Students Learn?
Participants will build hands-on skills through a structured weekly curriculum. Depending on the lesson, students will learn:
- Kitchen safety, sanitation, and safe food handling
- How to read recipes and follow step-by-step instructions
- Measuring, prepping, and using kitchen tools correctly
- Teamwork, communication, and time management
- Confidence in preparing food independently
- Creativity, problem-solving, and pride in making something with their own hands
- A deeper understanding of food, nutrition, and cultural connection through cooking
- The program packet describes the Summer Youth Program as a weekly enrichment experience focused on confidence, responsibility, creativity, and real-world life skills.
Program Details
Dates: June 24, 2026 – August 19, 2026
Day: Every Wednesday
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Ages: 11–18
Full Program: $400 for all 9 weeks
Drop-In Option: $45 per class
Drop-In Spaces: 6 available per session
Parents: Welcome to stay
Cook new recipes. Build real skills. Grow with confidence.
Register for the Feed the Mass Summer Youth Culinary Program today.
FAQ
What is the Feed the Mass Summer Youth Culinary Program?
The Summer Youth Culinary Program is a 9-week hands-on cooking program where youth learn kitchen skills, food safety, recipe reading, teamwork, and confidence through weekly cooking classes.
Who is this program for?
This program is for youth ages 11–18 who want a hands-on, creative, and practical summer experience. Beginners are welcome.
When does the program run?
The program runs every Wednesday from June 24, 2026, through August 19, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
How much does it cost?
The full 9-week program is $400. Drop-in classes are $45 per class, with 6 drop-in spaces available per session.
Do students need cooking experience?
No. Students do not need previous cooking experience. Classes are designed to be guided, supportive, and beginner-friendly.
Can parents stay?
Yes. Parents are welcome to stay during class.
What should students wear or bring?
Students should wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes that can get messy. Long hair should be tied back. A water bottle, notebook, folder, and apron are helpful.
What if my child has food allergies or medical needs?
Families will complete medical, allergy, emergency contact, and food-tasting consent forms before participation. Feed the Mass will use reasonable precautions, but the program cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
What if my child misses a class?
There are no refunds for missed classes. The program packet notes that a digital version of the class may be available for students to complete at home independently.
Is there a drop-in option?
Yes. Drop-in classes are available for $45 per class, with 6 drop-in spaces per session, based on availability.
