Several people have asked if this would work in a co-op setting — and the answer is yes!

The course runs 14 weeks and works well as a once-per-week class, with at home material for the other two days.

If you have access to a kitchen at your co-op, you can choose to do the cooking portion together with the reading independently at home. Or, you can complete the activity and questions together with the reading and cooking done at home. 

Students cook every week except Week 1. Each cooking lesson connects to the nutrition topic students are learning and gives them a chance to apply what they’ve learned in the kitchen. Recipes are intentionally simple and approachable so students can build practical cooking skills while reinforcing nutrition concepts. Recipes include baked oatmeal, a homemade electrolyte drink, a ground beef taco bowl, egg salad, and more.

Week 1 focuses on building a foundation of kitchen skills, including how to safely use common kitchen tools and practice food safety.

Because the curriculum is designed for grades 5–7, the amount of support needed will vary based on each student’s age, reading level, and experience. Many students will be able to work through much of the curriculum independently, though younger students may benefit from help with longer reading sections or certain activities.

Cooking lessons include clear, step-by-step instructions, but students who are still learning to use the stove, oven, or kitchen knives will need adult supervision and support as they build their confidence and kitchen skills.