Bringing Generations to the Kitchen

Food has a special way of bringing people together, creating opportunities for learning, connection, and shared joy.

The W.E. Graham Community Service Society’s Intergenerational Cooking program embraced this through NLS funding in 2023 by engaging 72 adults and youth across eight hands-on classes designed to teach cooking skills and foster community relationships.

The program offered a rich and diverse culinary experience. Participants explored projects ranging from fermenting sauerkraut and other preservation methods to festive activities like baking Christmas cookies and a cupcake decorating event especially for preschoolers. Each class was designed to be inclusive and enjoyable, welcoming seniors, families with children, and single adults alike.

Beyond the food, the program created a valuable space to address social and geographic isolation. By gathering in the well-equipped W.E. Graham kitchen, including the use of an outdoor pizza oven, participants built meaningful connections across generations while developing important food literacy skills.

The program ran smoothly within its added budget and support from NLS, making excellent use of available kitchen resources. Most importantly, the meals prepared were delicious, nutritious, and enjoyed by all. Participants expressed eagerness to join future cooking series and have already suggested new topics and skills they want to learn, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact and popularity.

At its core, the Intergenerational Cooking program is about more than just cooking, it’s about fostering community, learning, and connection.