How CookShop Worked
CookShop was NYC’s largest nutrition education program in public schools—reaching more than 13,000 kids and families in 80+ K-5 schools and summer camps each year. While the program is not currently active, its impact continues to inspire healthy eating habits across generations.
Through our two-generation approach, we helped kids fall in love with healthy foods while giving parents real-world tools like meal planning and budgeting to support healthier habits at home.
Our train-the-trainer model empowered educators to bring CookShop’s curriculum right into their classrooms.
Turn K-5 Students Into Food Explorers
CookShop Classroom
Through cooking adventures, food exploration, and hands-on sensory activities, kids developed lifelong healthy eating habits.
How we’ve helped kids learn to love healthy food:
- Discover healthy foods through all five senses
- Learn basic cooking skills in a fun, hands-on environment
- Connect nutrition to feeling their best
- Develop lifelong appreciation for fresh fruits and vegetables
Parents told us they’re more willing to buy fresh produce once their kids came home excited about healthy foods!
Once a CookShop Kid, Always a CookShop Kid
Healthy habits that stuck—well beyond the classroom.
“I met my 10-year-old cousin’s son Dylan at a family dinner and noticed he was eating broccoli with Greek yogurt. When I asked about it, he replied, ‘It’s a CookShop thing, you wouldn’t understand.’ He learned it in second grade at P.S. 102 The Bayview School in Brooklyn. He’s a teen now and still loves his broccoli with Greek yogurt!”
Bring the Whole Family Onboard
CookShop Families
While kids explored foods, parents and guardians tackled the practical side of healthy eating, learning skills like reading food labels, meal planning, and creating affordable, healthy meals.
Every workshop included guided budgeting activities, helping families:
- Make the most of SNAP benefits, pantries and soup kitchens
- Create smart and realistic food budgets
- Find affordable fresh produce at their local bodega
Many schools even started parent-led coupon swapping groups—building community while stretching food dollars!
Healthy Habits Start at Home
CookShop helped families make smarter choices—together.
“The workshop was excellent! I’ve learned healthy eating tips that help me pick nutritious fruits and vegetables that I can incorporate into my everyday meals!”
“CookShop helps us teach parents to make healthier choices for their children while educating them about nutrition on a whole new level.”
“What sets CookShop apart from the rest is its impact on students’ families. Parents often report their kid will point out healthy foods (or “go” foods) based on what they’ve learned, and are more open to try new healthy foods because of their exposure to them at school.”
“CookShop inspires students to try new fruits, vegetables, and grains—and builds essential life skills that nourish minds and bodies!” “
