STEAM NUTRITION

EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH STEAM NUTRITION EDUCATION

Through funding made possible by the John N. Calley Foundation, the Pompea Smith Good Cooking/ Buena Cocina Nutrition Education Program further developed its nutrition education programming to strengthen its K-12 STEAM education and skill development for foster and systems-impacted youth. 

From January 2023 to October 2023, 63 STEAM culinary classes were conducted, reaching 618 participants (youth and adults) in schools, farmers’ markets, and community-based sites throughout South Los Angeles. 

Through our revised 4-part nutrition and culinary class series, 32% of youth and caregivers gained practical culinary skills that promoted their confidence to prepare recipes using California-grown fruit and vegetables and 29% of participants expressed an intention to eat more fruits and vegetables. This program’s true success was measured in participants' willingness to try new fruits and vegetables and to prepare them with their families at home.

CLASSES COMING SOON!

All classes and events are FREE to attend and no RSVP is needed to participate. Contact us to be updated on our upcoming class schedule.

  • “I've learned to make more nutritious foods and found out that it actually tastes good.”

    Central Avenue Farmers Market Participant

  • “I learned to cook healthier and to be better. [The classes] help me to be better physically and to share recipes with my son.”

    Central Avenue Farmers Market Participant

  • “I've made many changes in my daily life because of what I’ve learned thanks to the wonderful staff who motivate me to live healthier [...] progress like never before and many of my friends have even made comments about my “Healthier” appearance.”

    Raphael Santillan, Central Avenue Farmers’ Market

  • "The program was amazing; I learned that eating healthy is a lifestyle I should make. I am thankful for everything. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”

    Cindy Ortiz, Parent Center

  • “Nutrition classes helped me to make right choices in regards to shopping more veggies and fruits than meats and dairy products.

    Narina Kazarian, Parent Center

  • “There was a reason I kept coming back week after week. I want to thank you for teaching me how to read the labels because now when I go to the store I know how to tell what’s good for me and what isn’t."

    Darryl Turner, MLK Campus Farmers Market

  • "I never liked green beans or red peppers [but after learning about stir fry] I had to convert! It’s helpful to have different things to cook that are not only healthy but also very good. I’m very happy that I was introduced to something new by coming to your class.”

    Andres Lara, MLK Campus Farmers Market