Cook Fresh Program
In the “farm-to-table” paradigm, Cook Fresh is the table to Market Garden’s farm. Working with seasonal crops from Urban Roots’ farm and garden sites, interns connect food production with hands-on culinary experiences.
The Cook Fresh program connects food, cooking, and community by exploring the journey from farm to plate. Interns gain hands-on culinary experience, first learning to cook for themselves and later mentoring new participants.
Cook Fresh Interns…
Work alongside more than 10 professional chefs each summer, gaining hands-on experience in everything from food prep to complex meal planning while preparing weekly community lunches.
Preserved hundreds of pounds of produce—contributing to Urban Roots’ food distribution efforts.
↑ Follow our food from seed to meal, all on the East Side of Saint Paul.
↑ Markets, Food Shelves, Restaurants, Gardens and their accessibility by bike and bus.
Engage in weekly discussion groups, and fieldwork outside on Urban Roots farms. This fosters a deeper understanding of food justice, sustainability, and the power of food to shape community.
First-year interns focus on foundational culinary skills, while returning interns take on mentorship and leadership roles.
Lead cooking classes hosted with Mississippi Market and supported weekly lessons centered around in-season crops harvested fresh from Urban Roots’ farms.
Discover more about what our interns are up to every week by following us on social media!
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Take fields trips to local partners and cultural hubs. Lessons explore current and historical social, economic, and environmental injustices shaping our food systems, and empower interns to become advocates for positive change.
