The GREATEST kids - MIFA Skills Institute

photos by Fran Taylor

Introduction

The kitchen is an experimental classroom, where kids delight in trying new flavors, textures, colors and scents - they combine them and reshape them to call them their own. City kitchen classes show underprivileged children how to prepare simple, nutritional meals that can be duplicated at home, with limited ingredients. These classes integrate culture, history, math and science with a focus on the relationship between food and life. Each child works at their own pace, trying new approaches once they've mastered the basics. We encourage each child to share their own recipes from home - foods from their rich, ethnic backgrounds.In addition to cooking, our kids learn table manners; how to create centerpieces for the table, and how to set a formal place setting. We feel these activities encourage them to want to celebrate dining together at home, with their families.