Teaching Kitchen

Welcome to the Teaching Kitchen

At the Sampson Family YMCA, we believe that food is more than just fuel it’s a way to connect, learn, and thrive. Our Teaching Kitchen is a hands-on program designed for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore healthy, sustainable cooking in a welcoming, community-focused environment. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, there’s a place for you to learn, taste, and share.

VIEW PROGRAMS

Discover the Joy of Cooking and Community

Here, hands-on experiences meet nutrition education, inspiring people of all ages to explore healthy, delicious meals while building confidence in the kitchen. From family-friendly recipes to skills that empower seniors and kids alike, the Teaching Kitchen brings the community together one meal at a time.

What You’ll Learn

Participants in the Teaching Kitchen will:

Develop practical cooking skills: From knife techniques to meal prep and baking basics.
Discover healthy and sustainable ingredients: Learn how to make flavorful meals that nourish your body and respect the planet.
Explore nutrition and wellness: Understand how food impacts your health, including disease-specific tips for inflammation, diabetes, and heart health.
Grow your own food: Join hands-on classes in our community garden and learn the basics of gardening, seasonal harvesting, and agroecology.
Cook together, connect together: Enjoy the social side of cooking, build confidence in the kitchen, and share meals with the community.

Soup Fridays & Community Meal Boxes

Start your weekend right with fresh, flavorful soups made with nutrient-rich ingredients. Open to everyone, not just YMCA members. Leftover meals are packed into Community Meal Boxes, available for pickup to ensure no one goes hungry.

GRAB A SPOON

Kids Classes – Mini Master Chef

Fun, interactive sessions where kids learn cooking techniques, explore new foods, and understand where their food comes from. Perfect for sparking curiosity and healthy habits early.

BECOME A CHEF

Senior Cooking & Meal Prep

Small-batch, hands-on classes designed for seniors looking to make healthy meals at home, discover new ingredients, and enjoy cooking as a social activity.

GET PREPPED

Nutrition & Wellness Workshops

Partnering with local experts like the CCAC Dietetics Program and American Heart Association, we offer lunch-and-learns and workshops on nutrition, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle habits.

WELLNESS HERE

Get Involved

The Teaching Kitchen is open to everyone, YMCA members and non-members alike. Join us for classes, workshops, or Soup Fridays, and be part of a program that nourishes your body, mind, and community.

Sign-up today and start your hands-on journey toward healthier eating, cooking confidence, and meaningful connection.