Program teaches Okanagan kids to cook and grow local food

Kelowna's edible education program is set to grow for year five.

Chefs in the Classroom, an Okanagan-born initiative with links to indigenous community and practices, teaches kids in the classroom how to grow, cook, and eat local foods. Comprised of six 90-minute lessons aimed at Grade 3 students, the program has seen considerable growth since its 2016 inception.

“Chefs in the Classroom is entirely volunteer-run and sponsor-funded and that is something that we are tremendously proud of. We’re so very grateful to the community of wonderful individuals and organizations who have helped our program grow each and every year, helping to grow our future food champions in the process," said Debbie MacMillan, program chair.

"We really could not do this without them. There is tremendous demand for our program. We hope to grow again in 2020 because we know there is so much value in this program, but it is really dependent on the resources and funding available.”

Before the program relaunches in the spring, more volunteers are needed. MacMillan said volunteers must commit to six Monday morning shifts of two-to-three hours each. For more information, visit Chefs in the Classroom online.

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