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Flint Kids Cook

Programs

Led by a chef and registered dietitian, our culinary and nutrition classes introduce children and adolescents to culinary education experiences that encourage healthy eating. Kids learn new cooking skills and recipes that promote nutrition and cultivate a love of cooking.

Learn more about the different classes we offer below!

The programs are generously funded by the Stephanie and David Spina Family Foundation.

A cooking and nutrition class just for kids.

This six-week hands-on class introduces children to a variety of cooking techniques and recipes that feature each of the five food groups.

  • Classes are taught at the Flint Farmers’ Market.
Sign up for Flint Kids Cook
A virtual cooking and nutrition class for the whole family.

This virtual five-week class allows families to cook and learn about nutrition together at home. Recipe ingredients are delivered to families each week by Flint Fresh.

  • Classes are taught virtually on Zoom.
Sign up for Flint Families Cook
An introductory baking class for kids.

This six-week baking and nutrition class is for kids who have completed Flint Kids Cook or Flint Families Cook. In class, kids learn a variety of healthy baking techniques while preparing a mix of savory and sweet recipes.

  • Classes are taught at the Flint Farmers’ Market.

*Flint Kids Bake classes are not currently being offered

700

Children have participated in Flint Kids Cook programs

Race

Gender

City of Residence

Frequently Asked Questions

Class Sign-Up

How do I sign up for the class?

You can add your child to the class waitlist

How does the waitlist work? How long is the wait to get into the class?

Families are contacted to enroll in the class in the order they appear on the waitlist, with priority given to children living in Flint and/or who were affected by the lead water crisis. The wait time is currently about 3 months for Flint residents and 12+ months for non-Flint residents.

How do I know my place on the waitlist?

Every few months, you will receive an email notifying you of your place in line and the estimated wait to get into the class.

Can my child take the class more than once?

Each child is eligible to take the class one time. Flint Kids Cook and Flint Families Cook have the same curriculum and recipes, so they can take one class or the other but not both classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flint Kids Cook

What kinds of recipes do kids make in the class?

Kids learn how to make a variety of different recipes featuring ingredients from each of the five food groups. Some recipes include fruit smoothies, vegetable pot pies, tacos, and mac and cheese.

My child has a food allergy, can they take the class?

We can accommodate most food allergies. When filling out the registration survey, please indicate any food allergies that your child has, and program staff will discuss accommodation options with you when enrolling your child in the class.

How many children are in each class?

Each class contains 9 – 12 youth.

Does my child need to bring anything to class?

We provide everything needed for class, so your child just needs to come ready to cook!

Frequently Asked Questions

Flint Families Cook

How does the virtual class work?

Flint Families Cook is taught on Zoom. After enrolling in the class, families get a link to join the virtual class. Each week, families receive a food box, delivered by Flint Fresh, that contains all ingredients needed to make the week’s recipes. During class, families cook along with the chef to prepare recipes together at home.

What cooking equipment does my family need for the class?

Families will need the following cooking tools to prepare the class recipes: knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, mixing spoons, measuring cups, measuring spoons, sauté pan/frying pan, saucepan/pot, muffin tin, and a baking (cookie) sheet. If you do not have any of these items, please let us know when you fill out the registration survey and we can assist you in acquiring these items.

How does the food delivery work?

We partner with Flint Fresh to deliver food boxes to families each week. When enrolling, you will be asked to confirm your delivery address, and Flint Fresh will deliver a food box to your home each week before class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flint Kids Bake

How do I sign up my child for Flint Kids Bake?

After your child has completed Flint Kids Cook or Flint Families Cook, they are eligible to take Flint Kids Bake. A program staff member will contact you when Flint Kids Bake classes are offered. In order to reach the 200+ children on the Flint Kids Cook waitlist, there are no Flint Kids Bake classes scheduled for 2026.

When is the next Flint Kids Bake class?

At this time, there are no Flint Kids Bake classes scheduled. Check back at a later time for updates.

What kinds of recipes do kids make in the class?

Kids will prepare an assortment of savory and sweet recipes in Flint Kids Bake, all with a healthy twist! Some recipes include pizza, crunchy granola, cheesecake, and pretzels.

Is there another class my child can take after Flint Kids Bake?

At this time, Flint Kids Bake is the final class in our cooking series.

Interested in volunteering with Flint Kids Cook?

Volunteers provide hands-on support during Flint Kids Cook classes to ensure that everything runs smoothly. We accept volunteers that are at least 18 years old, have experience working with children, and are available on weeknights. All volunteers must pass a background check and complete a youth program training prior to assisting with classes.
For more information, please contact Sarah Egan at egansar2@msu.edu.

Flint Kids Cook Year in Review

The 2025 numbers are in! Check out our program data from the past year of Flint Kids Cook.

Take a look back in our Year in Review archives to see the classes taught and youth reached in previous years of Flint Kids Cook.