Give Support: How You Can Help Kids Learn Valuable Cooking Skills and Make Healthy Food Choices

Kids Cooking for Life is an Oakland-based nonprofit that teaches underserved youth the cooking skills and knowledge they need for healthy food habits — from the importance of using good ingredients to how to prepare meals at home.

With a focus on nutrition, cooking skills and mindful food consumption, the idea is to build a preference for home cooking over fast food, and to encourage healthier, affordable food choices for a lifetime. Since its founding in 2009, the organization has educated more than 10,000 children and teens.

“As the rates of childhood obesity continue to rise, especially within lower-income families, it’s more important than ever to show kids that healthier eating is both attainable and affordable,” said Lara Rajninger, executive director of Kids Cooking for Life.

Recently, the organization applied for a grant from the City of Oakland to provide programming around reducing the health consequences of sugar-sweetened beverages in Oakland communities. Kids Cooking for Life was awarded a $40,000 grant from the City of Oakland, but the amount falls short of what it needs to cover expenses for its many programs offered at Title I schools, community centers, after-school programs, children’s hospitals and more.

You can help support their work by donating to help match the city’s generous donation. Please donate to Kids Cooking for Life by Aug. 10 to support its programs for the upcoming school year.

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