COOK FRESH PROGRAM
In the “farm-to-table” paradigm, Cook Fresh is the table to Market Garden’s farm. Working with seasonal crops from local farms, including and especially Urban Roots’ own, interns learn valuable skills in food preparation, safety, and planning.
Nutrition
Working with students from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health, interns learn about nutrition principles that will last them a lifetime and, person by person, help us build a healthier community.
Career Preparation
Cooking alongside chefs and other food professionals in the community, interns learn about different career paths available to them in hospitality, food policy, food media, and entrepreneurship, among other fields.
Cultural importance of food
By examining their own culture’s dishes, those of the other cultures in their community, and foods from around the world, Cook Fresh interns learn about the cultural importance of food and cooking. Working with community chefs, interns help to document the food stories of the world around them.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE:
Cook Fresh prepares over 1500 meals annually.
Partner with Roots for the Home Team in creating salad recipes for the season.
1200 Community members are engaged each year through cooking classes.
Year-round preservation of over 800lbs of produce for canning and value-added products.
Host Urban Roots families in our Food with Families series, highlighting the traditional cooking wisdom of the diverse East Side community.
The chef-led program serves 80-100 people every Tuesday during summer programming. Prominent Twin Cities chefs join us and co-create meals with interns.
Lessons feature comprehensive knowledge on creating balanced, nutritional meals. Interns frequently incorporate fresh produce from the Market Garden program.
PROGRAM STAFF:
