Kids Cooking For Life Founder Ted Smith enjoying a healthy desert with the students of Marin City.

(photos courtesy of Tom Rohrer, www.tomrohrerphotography.com)

Dear friends and supporters of Kids Cooking for Life,

Over the nine years, since founding Kids Cooking for Life, I have often asked our instructors and staff where they would prefer to teach. Over the years the consensus has been, "Let's teach in the undeserved communities." And that has been incorporated into our mission.

Last fall, when Kids Coking for Life was teaching 18 classes per week (18 courses of eight classes filled the fall program with 144 classes!), 11 of those classes were on a "no pay basis." That means 11 of the 18 classes were taught where their just wasn't any money. And one of those areas is Marin City, here in Marin County, where over 47% of the children between the ages of 5 and 17 are considered living in poverty.

When we received an invitation from June Farmer to teach in Marin City we were very excited and in October 2017 started teaching two classes per week and continued  through May 2018. That's 33 weeks of two classes in one community over one school year! The most concentrated program for Kids Cooking for Life in its 9 year history. Lorenzo Rios and his assistant Jade Thorpe were outstanding and skillfully taught these children. Jade reports their teaching experience and the children's love of the class at Marin City below.

The children, their parents, our staff and I wish to thank you all for your support of our program. We could not do this without your past support and appreciate your interest and continued support. For our friends and followers who are touched in a meaningful way by what we are doing and have not yet contributed, we welcome your support also.

Your contributions can be mailed to: Kids Cooking for Life, c/o Marin Link, 5800 Northgate Mall #250, San Rafael, CA 94903 or online at www.kidscookingforlife.org/donate.

Thank you.

Ted
President/Founder
Kids Cooking for Life

ONE OF A KIND... by Jade Thorpe

KCL has never had a class like this, a continuous program for the whole school year. This was an after school program taught at Marin City Senior Center (through the Marin City Community Services District (MCCSD). Participants range from 5-12 years old. It was great seeing the older kids help the younger kids and the younger kids helping the new younger kids.

The students were taught different knife skills: how to chop, mince, dice or julienne, and of course the “claw.” It’s amazing seeing these kids so enthusiastic about sharing these skills with classmates. They would come to class the next week and report that they had shared with their parents about what they had learned. I remember when the first class started, some kids were hesitant about using a knife or being around a stove. After just a couple lessons, they were comfortable with each of the above.

They came to class with so much energy and excitement and left with more energy and excitement in anticipation for next week’s class. After each class, students would hug the instructors goodbye. Chef Lorenzo and I would encourage the students to help their parents or family cook. Each week, more and more students reported that they either started cooking at home or were cooking more and adding more vegetables to meals. Some made their own breakfast.

 This class would not have been possible without the incredible help of Marin City CSD's June Farmer and KCL's Chef Lorenzo. June has a great connection with the kids and it is always good to see her cheerful face. Lorenzo works so well with the students and the kids are very fond of him. He has great energy and through his interactions with the kids, it’s obvious he enjoys what he does.

Above, Ted Smith with instructors Lorenzo Rios and Jade Thorpe.

Below, Marin City CSD's June Farmer ensuring that all 5 colors of the rainbow are included in the fruit salad!

Our Contact Information
Kids Cooking For Life
100 Thorndale Drive, #246
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-472-2564
www.kidscookingforlife.org