Rachael Ray's Non-profit Organization Yum-o!

The Kids Cooking Corner

The Kids Cooking Corner (KCC) provides children ages 3-18 the opportunity to experience and learn the joy and art of cooking daily by offering cooking and gardening classes, summer and winter camps and hosted birthday parties throughout southwestern Washington state and the Portland, Oregon metro area. Participants learn about proper nutrition, kitchen safety, proper food preparation, gardening basics, etiquette and cleanliness in a fun and safe environment. The goal is that these skills – when acquired at an early age – will lead to a healthier lifestyle and meal choices as well as long-term health benefits. Children discover that the kitchen is a magic and fun place where they can be confident and creative for their entire lives.

With a background in business and a mother of three, Heidi O'Connor was inspired to create KCC when she learned that Home Economics was recently cut from the school budgets, resulting in a gap in the teaching of important skills like cooking and gardening not otherwise found elsewhere. In addition to its core programs, KCC is also working with several community, corporate and nonprofit partners to develop initiatives focused on at-risk youth, children with special needs, foster children and teen mothers. To ensure that children from all backgrounds have access to KCC programs, scholarships are offered.

To learn more about The Kids Cooking Corner and find inspiration from founder Heidi O'Connor, visit the KCC website.