Culinary Connections

Culinary Connections is an organization that firmly believes in the importance of ensuring that every child in our community has access to nutritious meals. By supporting underprivileged children, we aim to contribute to their overall well-being and development. Through our dedicated efforts, we strive to make a positive impact by offering not just food, but  exposure to essential life skills and career opportunities through our culinary classes. Moreover, we have broadened our initiative to encompass health and nutrition education. Chef Andarrio's "Kickin It In The Kitchen" classes are thoughtfully crafted to educate participants on food, kitchen safety practices and nutritious dietary choices.

During the pandemic, a period marked by a significant rise in unemployment rates, numerous individuals relied on community initiatives to secure meals for their families. One such program, our Kids Eat Free lunch program, has successfully provided meals to over 5000 children and families. The Kids Eat Free lunch program has become a beacon of hope for many families during these challenging times. With the support of generous donors the program ensures that no child goes hungry.

Mecklenburg County officials report that close to 15% of households within the county experience food insecurity. This condition arises when individuals face limitations in the diversity and nutritional quality of their diets, leading to irregular eating patterns or reduced food intake due to financial constraints or limited resources. Our initiative involves identifying families requiring assistance and offering them weekly meals,  weekends and out-of-school periods throughout the academic year.