Fresh Chefs Society focuses on education and empowerment in their programs.
Food Education
iCook
Fresh Chefs Society coordinates a series of educational seminars for youth transitioning out of foster care in various settings in the community, such as in food centers, restaurants, markets and private homes. The seminars include lessons in basic cooking skills, preparing meals on a limited budget, introduction to local food sources and the connection between food and culture.
Guest Chef
The Guest Chef program invites chefs to lead an interactive cooking demonstration with the youth at their transitional living facilities. Chefs will not only introduce and model basic cooking skills, but they will also have the opportunity to share and discuss why they have chosen the culinary arts as their profession.
Empowerment via Food
Home Cook Mentor Program
Youth are paired with a community member for a 1-on-1, monthly recurring cooking experience. The mentor encourages the youth to take an active role in their eating lifestyle by allowing the mentee to select each meal, supplying the mentee essential cooking recipes, utensils, and pantry items while exploring the food community around them as they prepare their meal together. Youth also have an opportunity to experience cooking and sharing a meal in a home-like, family setting.
Apprenticeship Club
A monthly meet-up group, the Apprentice Club offers a safe space to develop soft, pre-employment skills through a series of cooking-related learning experiences. Meetings are youth driven and include cooking classes, demonstrations, kitchen tours, dining at local restaurants, grocery store tours, shopping and chef guest lecturers. A key aspect of the program is to empower youth through integrating skill development through normal Apprentice Club interaction such as maintaining communication, decision making and increasing youth engagement outside of their immediate circle.
It’s On Fresh Chefs
It’s On Fresh Chefs aims to celebrate achievements of youth transitioning out of foster care by taking them out to a meal of their choice at a community restaurant in support of that achievement. Fresh Chefs believes that recognition of their accomplishment and honoring their hard work will empower youth to continue on their path to success.