As health epidemics continue to plague underserved communities, nutrition education will become the focal point for addressing these pandemics. It is never too late to change one’s lifestyle and adapt to a healthy diet. However, evidence suggests that the earlier one assumes a healthier lifestyle the better - not only as a preventative measure, but also because early and consistent education is easier to maintain over a longer period of time. It is no wonder why nutrition education should begin at birth; some experts even suggest that nutrition education should commence in the prenatal phase. Still, no one has control over his or her food intake at such an early age. Many parents in underserved communities are either unaware of the effects of poor nutrition or not compelled to change their unhealthy eating habits. By passing on these habits to their children, the cycle of malnutrition continues from one generation to another.

Young Culinary Masters believes that there is still an opportunity to effectively change children’s eating habits for the better. During the adolescent years, youngsters typically become more autonomous, taking ownership of their lifestyles including their food intake. With the rise in obesity, eating disorders, and malnutrition among adolescents, it has become increasingly important that we address these pandemics and provide reasonable solutions. Young Culinary Masters hopes to take advantage of this pivotal pubescent time by providing disadvantaged youths with a unique avenue to nutrition education. By teaching adolescents the importance of eating healthy, and giving them the tools and skills necessary to assume a healthier diet, Young Culinary Masters hopes to break the cycle of malnutrition by promoting a guide to healthy eating as a way of life.

We have various workshops and seminars, which are targeted towards children of different age groups. Our programs promote healthy eating habits through education, cooking techniques and food preparation skills. The summer programs provide internship and job opportunities to these youngsters in an attempt to build a foundation of knowledge, skills, and experience in preparation for apprenticeship and beyond. In addition, these programs will not only act as educational tools but will also provide opportunities that foster interest in an alternate career path—the Culinary Arts.

Young Culinary Masters also has programs catered to adults. Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies, Health Epidemics and Healthy Community are just some of the workshops designed to assist adults in adapting to healthy lifestyles. While Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies addresses the issues of childhood obesity and infant mortality rates among the underprivileged, Health Epidemics focuses on the major health risks which continue to plague the underserved constituency and provides nutrition solutions to tackle these growing problems.

*Young Culinary Masters does not discriminate in its programs or acceptance of applicants on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation(lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered)*