Early Lessons, Lasting Change: How Teaching Kitchens Shape Healthy Futures for Young Children and Their Families

May 21, 2026

Teaching kitchens are uniquely positioned to influence lifelong health behaviors by reaching individuals early, whether through their healthcare, schools, and community-based programs including gardens and farms. Youth teaching kitchen programs also provide opportunities to enhance children and families’ understanding of food science, history, and social studies while fostering creativity and connection.

This webinar will explore developmental considerations to ensure teaching kitchens for the earliest learners can maximize building core nutrition and cooking skills that influence healthy choices for a lifetime. Through a dynamic panel of Teaching Kitchen Collaborative members, attendees will dig into the developmental nutritional considerations for toddlers through nine years and hear real-world examples of these approaches in clinical care, schools, and community-based settings. Panelists will share early lessons, program design strategies, and insights into how these efforts contribute to long-term health outcomes and behavior change.

This session will highlight how teaching kitchens are not only educating—but shaping healthier futures across generations.

This activity is pending CDR review and approval for 1.0 CPEU for RDNs and NDTRs for participation in the live or enduring activity.

Panelists:

Lynn Fredericks, Founder & CEO, FamilyCook Productions

Morgan Harris, RDN, Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center

Nancy Martz, Apples to Zucchini Cooking School

Ashley VanCise, RDN, LD, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta