About Us
FOR US, FOOD IS LOVE.
Be A Chef For A Day empowers kids to cultivate healthy, successful futures for themselves and their families through food literacy, culinary competence, curiosity, and creativity. While our work includes broadening access to quality food and ingredients, we believe providing education around nutritious cooking and eating habits can help transform, fulfill, and sustain our communities beyond hunger.
OUR INSPIRATION
In creating this program, Monica Lapenta - our founder - was inspired by the teaching methods of two extraordinary Italian education pioneers, Maria Montessori through her namesake method and Loris Malaguzzi through his Reggio Emilia approach.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
At Be a Chef for a Day we believe that:
Manipulating the ingredients opens the appetite and makes children curious about food (especially new foods!).
Children can practice their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They also learn how to use real tools (like knives, graters, ladles, etc...) and grow confidence in their abilities.
KIDS COOK FROM START TO FINISH
Be a Che for a Day encourages focus and patience.
The program gives children a sense of importance by empowering them to take part in something that is vital: cooking delicious food. Being able to cook for the ones they love fosters a feeling of belonging and usefulness that strengthens self-esteem.
KIDS FEEL EMPOWERED
Our chefs-in-training develop a sense of self through showing love while cooking for loved ones. There is no better feeling than realizing they can do it!
Our Partners and Sponsors
Get to know us, exploring all the programs of our nonprofit
