Our Mission

At the Charlie Cart Project, we aim to equip the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy food choices through hands-on cooking. We partner with educators and community organizations to provide everything needed to get kids cooking.

Our Program

We offer a comprehensive program that includes:

• Fully Stocked Mobile Kitchen: A compact, mobile kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line tools designed for young hands.
• Curriculum & Lesson Plans: A 54-lesson, standards-aligned curriculum that explores taste, exposes students to new foods, and builds skills and confidence.
• Training & Support: Access to a full suite of training support and monthly programming to help educators make the most of their cart.
• Our kitchen on wheels is fully stocked with top-of-the-line equipment perfect for little hands, and it all stows away for easy storage and transport.

The Importance of Food Education

Food education is crucial in fostering healthy eating habits among children. Programs like ours help children understand where their food comes from and how their food choices impact their bodies, the environment, and their communities at large. 

Studies have shown that hands-on food education can lead to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, improved nutrition, and obesity prevention. For instance, initiatives like the Chefs in Schools program have demonstrated that providing nutritious meals can improve students’ health and academic performance. 

Stories from the Field

Educators across the country are using the Charlie Cart Project to transform lives with hands-on food education. For example, a group of first-graders from Lincoln Elementary School in Oakland visited San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza Farmers Market as part of an initiative aimed at exciting children about fruits and vegetables. The program focuses on schools with high percentages of students of color or those eligible for free or reduced meals. At the market, students received tokens to purchase various fresh produce and embarked on a tasting journey. Volunteers engaged children in activities to identify and taste different crops, creating a fun and supportive environment for children to try new foods and promoting longer-term healthy eating habits. 

How You Can Support

By subscribing to our Food Education Newsletter, you can stay updated on our latest initiatives, success stories, and ways to get involved. Your support helps us bring hands-on food education to more children, empowering them to make healthier food choices and lead healthier lives.

Join Us

Subscribe to our newsletter today and become part of a community dedicated to fostering healthy eating habits in children through hands-on food education.