Rooted in the belief that food is medicine, CHEF is a Culinary Health Education Program that teaches children and families basic nutrition and practical cooking skills, with the long-term goal of motivating individuals and communities to adopt and sustain healthier eating habits. Since 2019, we have reached more than 106,000 students in 238 schools throughout San Antonio.
In September 2023, CHEF became part of the San Antonio Food Bank as their signature culinary nutrition education program. This partnership will allow programming to grow exponentially into additional schools and communities in Southwest Texas.
Emphasize the health benefits of plant-based foods
Include a variety of fruits & vegetables to increase beneficial colors and visual appeal to meals
Explore flavor development through the use of herbs & spices
Promote wholesome foods and decrease the consumption of added sugars & highly processed foods
Demonstrate portion sizes of a well-balanced diet
Utilize local, seasonal foods whenever possible
Teach simple cooking methods to promote overall wellbeing
CHEF has been rigorously evaluated by independent researchers including UT Health San Antonio, Texas A&M University – San Antonio, and Westat, Inc. a nationally recognized research and evaluation firm, and has been shown to have positive, statistically significant outcomes.
Nutrition Knowledge
Understanding and retention of basic nutrition concepts and healthy lifestyle tenets.
Self-Efficacy
Confidence/competence to apply lessons learned in CHEF class at home.
Healthy Eating Behavior
Adoption, implementation, and fidelity to healthy eating practices and the regular practice of cooking/eating at home.
Are more likely to eat a healthy breakfast
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Have increased confidence in the kitchen
Drink less sugary beverages
