From the Kitchen to the Table: Teaching Teens Skills That Last
For many teens, cooking can feel intimidating—something reserved for adults, professional chefs, or a future version of themselves. When meals can easily come from a freezer box or a drive-thru bag, learning to cook from scratch can seem overwhelming or out of reach. Yet knowing how to prepare a simple, affordable meal is one of the most powerful life skills a young person can have, building confidence, independence, and a sense of control over their own well-being. Many young people enter adulthood without ever being taught the basics of cooking or grocery shopping, despite the fact that preparing meals at home is one of the most effective ways to eat healthier and save money. Access to knowledge, tools, and supportive spaces matters. That’s why this December, we set out to show our teens that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—by giving them the opportunity to step into the kitchen, try something new, and build skills they can carry with them long after the class ends.
To make this happen, we partnered with the Clark County Food Bank’s Nutrition Education Program to offer our teens a three-week course focused on smart cooking and grocery shopping. The program is designed to help community members build practical skills for healthier living and long-term food security through hands-on classes and workshops. From learning basic cooking techniques and healthy eating habits to exploring gardening and food systems, the program addresses the root causes of hunger by empowering people of all ages to make informed, budget-friendly choices.
One of the Nutrition Education Program’s youth-focused offerings brings teens directly into the kitchen to learn foundational food preparation techniques, simple and adaptable recipes, and strategies for shopping smart at the grocery store. It also creates space for curiosity—encouraging participants to try foods they may not have experienced before and to think differently about what’s possible in their own kitchens. For many of our teens, this was their first time preparing a full meal from start to finish.
During the course, our teens rolled up their sleeves and got to work making personal pizzas and tofu tacos. Instructors Taylor and Jay laid out all the ingredients ahead of time and began by talking with the group about different protein options, how to compare prices, and ways to choose ingredients that are both nutritious and cost-effective. These conversations helped connect what happens in the grocery store to what ends up on the plate.
Once the cooking began, the kitchen quickly filled with energy and excitement. Some teens jumped right in, confidently showing off skills they already had, while others took their time learning new techniques—like how to safely chop vegetables or keep a clean and organized prep station. Along the way, instructors demonstrated proper food preparation methods and answered questions, creating a supportive environment where everyone felt comfortable learning at their own pace.
After the meals were finished, the group sat down together to enjoy what they had created. Sharing the meal was just as important as making it. While eating, the teens reflected on what they had learned and talked about different ways they could adapt the recipes at home by swapping ingredients or adding new flavors. By the end of the class, participants were able to take home leftovers along with groceries, giving them the opportunity to recreate the meals for their families and share what they’d learned beyond the classroom.
Programs like this go far beyond teaching cooking and grocery shopping skills. They help build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging. They create a space where people can learn something new, connect with others and sit down together for a shared meal—something that can be surprisingly hard to find on a busy weeknight. Experiences like these remind us that food has the power to bring people together and strengthen communities.
We are incredibly grateful to the Clark County Food Bank for inviting our teens to be part of this meaningful program and for their continued partnership. Together, we’re helping young people build skills that nourish not only their bodies, but their futures as well.
