The Kids’ Kitchen Summer Food Corps has been busy this summer! Teens employed through the program are growing food at CHUM, Harbor Highlands, and a couple of plots through the Duluth Community Garden Program. Produce that is grown is eaten in the Kids’ Kitchen program, given away in the Community Kitchen, or donated to the CHUM food shelf.
Additionally, participants are building employment skills in food service and childcare through their work in the Kids’ Kitchen. They help prepare and serve meals, lead activities with younger children, and clean up the program space after the younger kids leave. These skills and experience will help them when they seek their next job.
Teens also learn about food justice, food deserts, and nutrition; build STEM skills by testing soil, learning about photosynthesis, why plants need water, pest management, and other gardening essentials; and have opportunities to write resumes/job applications and practice their interview skills.
Aside from all of the skills that youths learn to help them get their next job, the Summer Food Corps complements the Kids’ Kitchen program, offers participants something meaningful to do during the summer months, and gives younger children positive role models in their communities. We are proud to offer this program for its second year.
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