Empowering Children to Eat Healthy: The COOKSMART Way
COOKSMART, founded by nutritionist, educator, and mother, Kathy, is a unique culinary program designed to help children make healthier food choices. Kathy’s mission is simple: kids making better food choices. With her extensive experience as an educator and expertise in nutrition, Kathy teaches children the basics of cooking in an engaging, hands-on environment. Her approach is rooted in the belief that with the right guidance and tools, children can learn to love healthy foods.
Building Confidence in the Kitchen
At COOKSMART, children learn essential cooking skills while discovering the importance of good nutrition. They explore different food combinations and gain confidence in the kitchen, empowering them to make healthier choices. This program is a dream come true for parents looking to encourage their children to eat better without sacrificing taste or enjoyment.
Virtual Classes: Introducing the "Dinner Club"
Starting in September, COOKSMART will be offering virtual classes as part of our “Dinner Club.” These sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, providing a wonderful opportunity for your child to get in the kitchen and make dinner for mom, or it could be an adventure the whole family can enjoy together! This is not only a chance for children to apply what they’ve learned but also to bring the family closer over a shared meal.
Classes Tailored for Every Age Group
COOKSMART offers a variety of classes designed to cater to different age groups and skill levels:
- Baking Kids (Ages 6-9): This class teaches basic food safety, chopping, measuring, and nutrition. Kids will learn to make simple baked sweet and savory snacks like muffins, drop cookies, easy pizza, and more!
- Beyond the Basics (Ages 8-12): Focusing on intermediate skills, this class builds independence and confidence in the kitchen. Participants will prepare meals from start to finish, including healthy and nutritious options like tomato soup, mac & cheese, marinara sauce with pasta, Spanish rice, and more!
- Teens and Adults: For more in-depth learning, this class teaches how to make easy, versatile meals the whole family can enjoy. Learn to make soups, egg dishes, sauces for pasta, one-pot wonders, homemade sauces for grain bowls, and more!
These fun-filled afternoons are perfect for keeping your up-and-coming chef busy and entertained after school. They will create exciting recipes, try new foods, and practice safe kitchen skills while learning about nutrition.
What to Expect from COOKSMART
When you enroll your child in COOKSMART, you can expect:
- A fun learning environment
- Age-appropriate activities
- Always nut-free, allergy-friendly options
- A safe environment with qualified instructors
- Sustainable and budget-friendly recipes that can be easily made at home
- Vegetarian menu and Halal-friendly options
Holiday time is the perfect opportunity for kids ages 5-12 to learn life skills through these engaging programs.
COOKSMART Camps
In addition to regular classes, COOKSMART also offers various camps, including:
- March Break Camp
- Spring Programs
- Summer Camps
- Teen Half-Day Camp
- Dinner Club (Virtual)
- After-School Classes
Join COOKSMART and give your child the tools to cook smart and live well. For more information and to enroll your child, visit www.cooksmart.ca or contact (647) 894-2086. Let’s make healthy eating a delicious adventure!