Issue Two- June 2019:

By Mercedes Barreto

New Leaf Kitchen is a program to teach cooking to kids, based on Director & Founder, Annie Streitmarter, and her years and years of experience & observation with children and the benefits of teaching them the art and necessity of cooking.

What started New Leaf Kitchen?

“New Leaf Kitchen was founded on the belief that if you give a child a snack, you feed them for a minute; if you give a child a skill, you feed them for a lifetime.  

We are on a mission to spread the value of healthy eating and mindful living through cooking and food education programs.”

What would be the inspiration behind this organization?

“After years of observation and research, coordinating resources for low-income families, teaching preschool, opening and operating a children’s cooking studio/culinary retail store, working within the food industry, and working with children with special needs,  I have gathered a great deal of knowledge, advice, and ideas.  Now, with a passionate, experienced, and dedicated team on board – New Leaf Kitchen is proud to be able to take on a powerful mission.” 

   How many people have been helped through this organization’s efforts, & how?

“Our current programs are currently in numerous schools and libraries – impacting hundreds of children and families. Great feedback and interest have us expanding rapidly. With the support of donations and grants, we are scaling our organization to reach thousands – with food programs, urban farms, and pay-what-you-can cafes/markets in every food desert community we can find!”

What is the ultimate goal here for New Leaf Kitchen?

“Our goal is to make fresh food more accessible, to generate more equitable healthy opportunities for every community, and to empower people skills to access fresh food and nutritional education.”   

If you could send a message to those who are in need, what would that message be?

“Every community should be vibrant, mindful, and healthy.

Every person should have access to fresh food, and the ability to prepare it. Let’s work together to make this happen.”