652 Elizabeth Street
London, Ontario
N5Y 6L3
(519) 432-1801
Bringing together individuals, organizations and
resources to foster community action
Cook It Up!
Youth get a chance to Cook-It Up!
The London Community Resource Centre is excited to launch a collaborative, new
community-based program aimed at improving the present and future lives of youth
ages 13 to 18. LCRC will work with other community partners, organizations and
businesses in bringing Cook It Up! to the City of London.
Provide community-based education and skill building for the youth target group and will
be facilitated by local chefs and/or culinary students. It will offer youth food safety
information, food preparation and selection skills, cooking skills and agricultural fieldtrips
to a variety of local farms and farmers’ markets.
Be offered in modules that will include information relating to healthy eating, safe food handling and Ontario-grown food
themes for all seasons. Facilitators of each module will determine, coordinate and implement the activities relevant to the
needs of each youth group.
Provide essential life skills by introducing, educating and raising awareness among youth in regards to local agriculture and
food systems, healthy eating, as well as food preparation and purchasing skills. By creating supportive and positive learning
environments the LCRC and community partners will be providing options and opportunities for this vulnerable youth group. At
the conclusion of the program the youth will be able to participate in a graduation celebration, giving them a sense of
accomplishment and allowing them to share their learning experiences while networking with local farmers, food commodity
marketing associations, local chefs and local farmers’ markets.
Provide evidence-informed practice based on research outcomes, and will create and distribute a “how-to” manual highlighting
details for implementing the project in other settings for similar of different target groups (post-secondary students, young
adult, Ontario Early Years Centres, parents, multicultural groups and older adults).
Cooking experiences help young people learn about ingredients and how to make healthy choices when preparing food. Food
skills may increase options for youth who rely heavily on fast-food choices. Knowledge and attitudes about food are gained
through the preparation process and are transferable in other food-choice settings. Preparing food independently in a small
group setting contributes to personal and social development.
Youth development, or adolescent development refers to the second decade of life. At this stage between childhood and
adulthood dramatic changes occur in all four areas of development: physical, intellectual, psychological, emotional and social.
Acquiring personal and social assets such as mastery, independence, generosity, and a sense of belonging helps youth to
become fully functioning adults.
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For more information or to make a donation to the Cook It Up! Program, please contact Linda Davies, Executive Director, London
Community Resource Centre (see links): Contact Information
COOK IT UP! PHOTO GALLERIES:
Cooking it up with Cook It UP! -- Recipes for Success: The LCRC community collaborative pilot project is moving forward with resounding success as the youth participants are grasping the food-related curriculum with a great enthusiasm. Check out the recipes used by the youth in the program and find your own tasty success in the kitchen.
Thanks to the support of Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc.
Upcoming Schedule for Cook It Up! sessions:
Mon. Jan. 11, 2009 Cooking Class: Chef Chris Meloche - Pizza - 6:00pm
Other future classes yet to be confirmed
Please note: All sessions take place at 1487 Dundas St. E., with the exception of fieldtrips.