On April 15th, I helped judge the 2nd Annual Teen Chef Invitational in NYC. Hosted by the Urban Assembly School of Music and Art in Brooklyn, this after-school program teaches teens how to cook, teach cooking, community gardening, and all about food politics. Funded and organized by Family Cook Productions and Dr. Oz’s Health Corps, this program has been incredibly successful in exposing teens to healthy cooking, culinary skills, mentorship programs and paid internships.
I was blown away by the passion and skill that these teens brought to the cooking competition, and the food was delicious! Teen Chef MC’s Nyasha Alexander and Kristie Polanco were wonderful hostesses for the event, and their passion and dedication to the program was obvious.
I am encouraged by this program that is teaching kids to cook healthy food and to prepare meals for themselves and their families. The obvious confidence and pride they felt was infectious, and I hope this program continues to roll out across the country.
