The Lorain Public Library System has launched a free culinary and nutrition initiative called the Kids Cook program, designed to equip young participants with essential cooking skills and foster healthy habits. Led by Yolanda Ramos, the strategic initiatives manager for culinary literacy and wellness, the program aims to introduce children to whole foods and basic cooking techniques in a supportive and interactive setting.
The Kids Cook program utilizes mobile kitchens known as Charlie Carts, which were acquired in 2020. These carts, inspired by the chuck wagons of American pioneers, contain all necessary equipment for integrating cooking and nutrition lessons. Currently, the Library System operates three Charlie Carts that rotate through its six branches, including the Domonkas Branch in Sheffield Lake, South Lorain Branch on Homewood Drive, and North Ridgeville Branch.
Each Charlie Cart is equipped with a structured curriculum tailored for children from kindergarten through fifth grade, comprising 56 lessons organized by seasonal ingredients, cultural relevance, and age appropriateness. The curriculum emphasizes foundational cooking skills, enabling children to work with dough, herbs, spices, and other whole ingredients. Ramos highlighted the practicality of these lessons, stating, “They’re practical life skills that children can carry with them.”
Monthly Sessions Promote Family Engagement and Learning
Kids Cook sessions are held at least once a month at each branch, with classes lasting a minimum of 60 minutes. For older children, typically aged 9 to 12, advanced sessions are available that extend up to two hours. Recipes vary throughout the year and often feature fresh produce sourced from library-supported gardens. The Main Library Branch collaborates with an urban farm, while the South Lorain Branch has established an orchard with apple trees funded by a grant.
An example of the program’s educational approach is apple tasting, where children learn about different apple varieties, their origins, and engage their senses of touch, taste, and sound. Participants also create healthy recipes such as applesauce, herb popcorn, and beverages without added sugar.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join the sessions, fostering family bonding while reinforcing healthy habits at home. Ramos emphasized the hands-on nature of the program, saying, “Children are actually cooking, and parents are learning right alongside them. The response from families has been very positive.”
Accessible Nutrition Education for All
A key focus of the Kids Cook program is accessibility, particularly for families who may not have the means to afford private cooking classes, which can cost upwards of $55 per person elsewhere. Ramos pointed out, “We’re offering this at no cost to our constituents. All the food is provided, and kids get to eat what they make.”
In addition to cooking skills, this initiative promotes learning across various subjects, including mathematics, science, and language arts. The program also addresses critical health challenges such as childhood diabetes by introducing alternatives to highly processed foods. “This is about redeveloping a child’s palate,” said Ramos. “It gives them a safe space to explore healthier options and move away from fast food.”
Registration for upcoming Kids Cook sessions opens at 9 a.m. on February 16, 2024. Program schedules differ by branch, and space is limited. Ramos concluded, “This program builds confidence, creativity, and wellness. It’s an incredible value for our community.”
