Kids in the Kitchen Teaches Practical Life Skills, Helps Address Summer Food Insecurity

The Salvation Army provides practical assistance to individuals and families year-round, and in the summer months, children living in households experiencing food insecurity feel the need on a deeper level. When the school year ends, many feeding programs that support families from September to June are no longer accessible, and that gap needs to be filled.

In Moncton, N.B., the well-known phrase, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” is being put to the test. Summertime at The Salvation Army Moncton Community and Family Services (CFS) means there are Kids in the Kitchen having fun and learning practical skills about food they can use for years to come.

The Kids in the Kitchen program runs in the summer, with space for 20 children in each session. In previous years, Kids in the Kitchen sessions had 12 participants, but interest in the program was overwhelming this summer and registration almost doubled. CFS staff and volunteers realized that increased need meant creating more room in the kitchen for these aspiring chefs.

How It Works

Youth programming aims to build confidence and life skills in children ages seven to 12. Programming runs from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, for eight weeks in July and August. The Kids in the Kitchen program takes place on Wednesdays, and teaches basic cooking techniques, food safety, and healthy eating habits. Each session includes a short lesson, a fun activity, and time for cooking and creativity. Of course, cooking time is always followed by eating time!

“My favourite part is when everyone sits down to eat together after we’ve finished cooking,” shares Lilly, age 9.

Participants learn how to prepare nutritious meals, understand food choices, work safely, and collaboratively while enjoying themselves. The hands-on activities and simple, affordable recipes used encourage independence, creativity, and instill positive relationships with food that can be carried into everyday life at home.

The Results

Now nearly halfway through the 2026 Kids in the Kitchen summer program, young foodies share their thoughts.

“I like trying new foods,” says Ethan, age 8. “Sometimes I think I won’t like something, but then it tastes really good because we made it.”

Jasmine, age 10, says, “I brought my recipe and some ingredients home and got to make it all over again for my dad. I did it all by myself and he loved it!”

For 11-year-old Owen, “The hardest part is waiting for the food to cook because it smells so good!”

“My favourite part is when everyone sits down to eat together after we’ve finished cooking,” shares Lilly, age 9.

“I’ve learned how to be safe in the kitchen and make healthy food that actually tastes good, Ava, age 12, says. “Someday I want to be on a cooking show, so I’m getting lots of practice!”

The future tastes good in Moncton.

Do you have a young cook at home who would be interested in learning some new skills in the kitchen? Contact the Moncton CFS at 506-389-9901 to learn more about the Kids in the Kitchen program and registration.

Click here to donate to Moncton Citadel Community Church and its CFS.

By Wendy Woodland