Our Story
It All Started When…
Hope Miner and Mary Meyer piloted the first Kids Cook! classes at Alvarado Elementary in Albuquerque Public Schools, in 2000. At the time, Hope was a teacher at the school and Mary worked as a dietitian for the WIC program through the New Mexico Department of Health. They funded the program through monies from the AmeriCorps Vista program -- and it was a success!
In 2001, Hope became the founding director of Kids Cook! bringing on new schools, including Dolores Gonzales Elementary, which is still a Kids Cook! school today.
In July of 2009, Kids Cook! became a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Since Kids Cook’s pilot project in 2000, we’ve taught in approximately 50 APS schools, reaching more than 45,000 students, not including the many parents and grandparents who regularly volunteer in our cooking classrooms. At Dolores Gonzales Elementary, our longstanding relationship has allowed us to educate three generations of families.
At the heart of the Kids Cook! curriculum is the drive to bring together families through the act of cooking nutritious meals. 20 years later we’re still going strong, teaching children and their families in schools and through community events.
We look forward to cooking with you and your family, bon appetit it's time to eat!
Our Purpose
Kids Cook! provides hands-on instruction to elementary students on nutrition, physical activity, food preparation skills including the names and proper use of kitchen tools, kitchen sanitation and safety, social skills, table manners, awareness/understanding of cultures and appreciation of differences. Kids Cook! uses an integrated curriculum, including nutrition, literature, music appreciation, art, cultures of the world, math, science, social studies, and geography.
Our Mission
The mission of Kids Cook! is to improve the health of children and families by exposing them to a variety of culturally diverse healthy foods, providing the knowledge to prepare these foods and teaching the health benefits of daily activity.
Our Vision
Children and families who participate in Kids Cook! are healthier, more active, eat a greater variety of nutritious foods in moderation, and are excited to share their knowledge and experience with their families, friends, and communities.
Our Values
Integrity
With our high standards, we take initiative, we are reflective of our actions, and we do what we say we are going to do.
Community Building
We seek opportunities to invest in meaningful relationships that benefit the well-being of our community.
Collaboration
With openness and enthusiasm, we engage with educators and community partners to create an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
Dedication
We bring our diverse and varied experiences, skills, and knowledge as unique resources that we enthusiastically share with others.