Why Every School in Vancouver Should Have a Cooking Program

What if the next generation of Vancouverites grew up not just knowing what’s healthy—but how to cook it? Imagine a city where children learn confidence, creativity, and collaboration, all while sautéing onions or baking fresh bread. At Les Petits Chefs, we believe every school in Vancouver should have a cooking program—and here’s why.

Cooking student with Les Petits Chef

Cooking Program is About More Than Food

Confidence and Life Skills

The kitchen can be one of the most empowering places for a young person. Chef Kevin, founder of Les Petits Chefs, has witnessed it firsthand.

“One of my students, 10-year-old Ava, was shy and reserved at first. But the moment she made her own sushi rolls, something clicked. She lit up. She proudly served them to her parents that evening—and they were floored. That’s what cooking does. It gives kids a tangible sense of achievement.”

Cooking teaches essential life skills—reading instructions, time management, hygiene, and even math through measurements. In Vancouver, where families are increasingly health-conscious and eco-aware, these skills support a more sustainable and empowered lifestyle.

Emotional Development Through Cooking

Cooking also provides a nurturing environment for emotional growth. It encourages teamwork, patience, and empathy. In a world where mental health support is more crucial than ever, food becomes a form of expression and healing.

“One group of teens told me the kitchen was the only place they didn’t feel judged,” Kevin recalls. “It was their safe space to talk, joke, and connect.”

Local Food Culture Begins in the Classroom

Celebrating Vancouver's Culinary Diversity

Vancouver’s food scene is globally inspired—Korean BBQ, Japanese izakaya, Persian stews, and Indigenous salmon dishes are all part of our culinary identity. Why not introduce this diversity early on?

Incorporating local flavors into school cooking programs creates cultural curiosity and appreciation. Imagine students making bannock after learning about local First Nations traditions, or folding dumplings while talking about Lunar New Year.

“I once hosted a cooking workshop for students in East Van,” Kevin shares. “We made a menu that included both vegan tacos and Lebanese tabbouleh. The mix of flavors sparked a conversation about where their families came from. It was beautiful.”

For food inspiration rooted in Vancouver, check out blogs like Follow Me Foodie, Eater Vancouver, or Vancouver Foodie for ideas on local dishes kids could recreate in class.

Supporting Local Farmers and Sustainability

Cooking programs create awareness around where our food comes from. Classes can source ingredients from Vancouver’s farmers’ markets and discuss seasonal produce. It’s a subtle way to shape eco-conscious habits from an early age.

The Before & After: When Kids Start Cooking

Before: Picky, Passive Eaters

Many parents struggle with picky eaters or kids who refuse vegetables. Before joining a class, Kevin often sees resistance:

“A lot of students tell me they hate certain foods—mushrooms, tomatoes, even eggs. But when they cook it themselves? Different story.” says Kevin, the Chef.

Kids who participate in cooking gain ownership of what they eat. They feel proud of their plate—and that changes everything.

After: Adventurous, Engaged Foodies

After a few sessions, the same kids are asking for kale chips or experimenting with tofu stir-fry.

One 12-year-old boy asked for a crêpière for his birthday after class. He was hooked on making crêpes! Kevin laughs.

When children are empowered to cook, they become open to trying new foods, understanding nutrition, and making better choices—both now and for life.

Cooking Enhances Education (and Grades!)

STEM in the Kitchen

Cooking naturally blends with subjects like math and science. Measuring ingredients, adjusting recipes, understanding chemical reactions—like what happens when baking soda meets vinegar—turns learning into a delicious experiment.

This hands-on learning model has been proven to enhance retention and boost interest in STEM fields. What better way to introduce chemistry than through chocolate chip cookies?

Reading, Writing, and Cultural Studies

Students also develop literacy by reading recipes, writing food reviews, or creating their own cookbooks. Cooking becomes a cross-disciplinary tool that brings traditional academics to life. On top of that, I teach them cooking classes in French and English!

“We once had students write a story around a dish that reminded them of home. One boy wrote about his grandma’s pho—it was both touching and vivid.”

Booking a Cooking Class is the First Step

How You Can Start

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or school administrator, it’s easy to bring a cooking program to your community.

All our classes are led by certified chefs like Kevin, who not only love to cook, but love to teach. We provide everything—ingredients, equipment, and even cleanup—so all that’s left is the joy of cooking.

Why Vancouver Schools Are Catching On

Several Vancouver-area schools have already invited Les Petits Chefs into their classrooms, and the feedback has been overwhelming.

“It was the highlight of our year,” said one teacher from Mount Pleasant Elementary. “Even the parents got involved!”

The demand for engaging, practical, and emotionally enriching programs is rising. Vancouver, with its strong food culture and progressive education scene, is the perfect city to lead the way.

Conclusion: Let’s Raise a Generation That Can Cook

Every child in Vancouver deserves the chance to experience the joy and empowerment of cooking. It’s not just about food—it’s about community, creativity, and confidence. Through the flames of a stovetop or the dough between small hands, kids discover so much more than recipes.

“When you teach a child to cook, you give them more than a skill—you give them pride, independence, and a voice,” Kevin says.

If you want to help shape a brighter, tastier future, it starts with one class.

Ready to bring the joy of cooking to your school or family?

Book a cooking experience with Les Petits Chefs in Vancouver today and turn your kitchen into a classroom of creativity and connection.

Let me know if you'd like a version adapted for parents only, or with more focus on workshops instead of school programs!