Event Details
Hands-on cooking classes for kids ages 9 to 13 and a parent or guardian begin Thursday, July 23 in Jamaica Plain
School is out, and the kitchen is open! Community Servings invites kids ages 9 to 13 and their grown-ups to participate in a free four-part cooking series this summer, led by the organization's registered dietitian nutritionists. Classes run consecutive Thursdays from 4 to 6 pm, beginning July 23.
Each week, a dietitian guides families through preparing a healthy dish from start to finish. It is a chance to escape the heat, step away from screens, and cook something together. Families leave with a recipe card and a sample of the dish or fresh ingredients when available. The first class brings the flavors of Latin America to the table. Families will make arepas, the corn cakes filled with cheese, served with seasoned ground turkey, a homemade sazón spice blend, and ají Colombiano, a bright and tangy salsa.
"At Community Servings, we believe food is one of the most powerful ways to bring people together and to care for one another. Kids Kitchen invites families into our kitchen to cook healthy, flavorful meals side by side," said Shennie Quintanilla, a bilingual registered dietitian nutritionist at Community Servings. “When children learn their way around fresh ingredients at a young age, they build confidence and curiosity that can shape how they eat for the rest of their lives. We are proud to offer this program free to our neighbors in Jamaica Plain and beyond."
Each class features a different dish, and families can register for an individual session or the entire series. Kids Kitchen, made possible with support from Google.org, is free and designed for a child and an adult to prepare and cook a dish side by side. A parent, guardian, or adult family member must attend with each child. Space is limited to 24 guests, and registration is required. Cooking class supplies were purchased through a wholesale partnership with Kitchenwitch, the independent kitchenware shop on Centre St.
Register for any class at the links below.
- Thursday, July 23 — Season with Sabor!
- Recipes: Arepas with Cheese and Ground Turkey, DIY Sazon, a traditional Latin American seasoning blend, and Aji Colombiano (tangy salsa)
- Register: https://events.blackbirdrsvp.com/kids-kitchen-cooking-summer-series-1
- Thursday, July 30 — Fun Twists on Fair Food Favorites!
- Recipes: Taco Salad Cups and Fresh Apple “Nachos”
- Register: https://events.blackbirdrsvp.com/kids-kitchen-cooking-summer-series-2
- Thursday, August 6 — Plan Ahead for Breakfast!
- Recipes: Sheet Pan Egg Breakfast Sandwiches and Sweet Dip with Fresh Fruit
- Register: https://events.blackbirdrsvp.com/kids-kitchen-cooking-summer-series-3
- Thursday, August 13 — Eat the Rainbow!
- Recipes: Baked Root Vegetable “Fries,” Avocado Crema Dip, and Yogurt and Berry Cups
- Register: https://events.blackbirdrsvp.com/kids-kitchen-cooking-summer-series-4
About Community Servings: Founded in 1990, Community Servings’ mission is to actively engage the community to provide medically tailored, nutritious, scratch-made meals to chronically and critically ill individuals and their families. We commit, in all our programs and business practices, to prioritize racial and economic justice and health equity. To help clients maintain their health and dignity, we provide culturally appropriate meals, nutrition education and counseling, and other community programs. Our kitchen team, with support from thousands of volunteers, prepares over 1.5 million medically tailored meals that are home-delivered to more than 8,000 neighbors annually across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Community Servings is accredited by the Food is Medicine Coalition. For more information about programs and opportunities to volunteer or donate, please visit www.servings.org.