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Stirring Up Opportunities: CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM AT STEP EMPOWERS ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

STEP’s culinary arts classes, What’s Cooking at STEP, help prepare members for careers in the food service industry by learning about food safety, customer service, how to prepare delicious dishes. These classes allow members with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or mental health needs to explore the art of cooking in a communitybased setting. To provide an authentic learning environment, small bites and meals are prepared with the assistance of our skilled instructors and support staff.

These valuable life skills help empower members to pursue careers in the culinary field or lead more independent lives.

Though we have a focus on teaching service industry skills, the classes can also be taken by those looking to gain more confidence in their kitchens at home. Our kitchen is equipped with adaptive cooking utensils to ensure that all participants, regardless of ability, can engage in the learning process.

STEP member making cookies

STEP member using adaptive kitchen equipment

In addition to honing culinary techniques, participants develop healthy eating habits, learn to manage food storage, understand expiration dates, reduce food waste, and explore sustainable practices like composting and growing their own food. These valuable life skills help empower members to pursue careers in the culinary field or lead more independent lives.

STEP member created an apple swan

As the program grows, we are seeking local restaurants and chefs to offer tours and cooking demonstrations, further enriching the learning experience for our participants. If you’re interested in contributing to this exciting initiative or interested in supporting these classes, please reach out to Alyson Stauder, Culinary Program Manager, at astauder@stepcentral.org.

For more information about the programs that STEP offers, please visit www.stepcentral.org.