At the Oshkosh YMCA, we believe that food brings people together- and not just at the dinner table. World Food Day is October 16, and to honor the importance of food in our community, we're highlighting one of our most unique and impactful resources: the Y's Teaching Kitchen. Located at the Downtown Oshkosh YMCA, our Teaching Kitchen is a year-round hub for learning about food, nutrition, and culture, offering free recipes, cooking skills, and the opportunity to explore new flavors from around the world. But the Teaching Kitchen is about more than just great food- it's a space that empowers our community through knowledge, skill-building, and a shared love of healthy living.
The Teaching Kitchen: A Resource for All
Our Teaching Kitchen is central to the Y’s commitment to promoting healthy behaviors. It’s a place where community members can expand their culinary skills and deepen their knowledge of food, all while learning how to prepare affordable, healthy, and delicious meals. Whether you're an experienced home chef or just starting out, the Teaching Kitchen welcomes you.
You do not need to be a YMCA member to attend teaching kitchen programs- the Y offers this resource to the entire community. By offering affordable programs, we are focused on bringing people together in the pursuit of wellness.
Empowering Families and Individuals in the Kitchen
Our Teaching Kitchen is about more than just trying new recipes. It’s also about building lifelong skills. We offer programs that show families how to prepare meals together, making the kitchen a space where children can help and learn. Teens also benefit from classes designed to boost their confidence & independence while learning basic kitchen skills.
We’re proud to feature local chefs in our lineup as well, including the creative and talented Chef Shelly Platten. Chef Shelly leads a variety of classes, covering everything from healthy seasonal recipes, practical weeknight meals for families, to innovative recipes with showstopping flavor. Her focus is on making nutritious food delicious and accessible, which perfectly aligns with our mission of supporting healthy living.
Connecting Cultures Through Cuisine
Through the Diversity, Food, & Community series, we have explored cultures from around the world through food. In each session, a local community member shares their culinary traditions, teaching participants how to prepare a dish while sharing the cultural significance behind it. It’s a great way to learn about global cuisine and bring new flavors into your home kitchen. Past events have featured dishes from Mexico, China, Jordan, South Sudan, Ecuador, Cameroon, and more. After each demonstration, participants gather around the table to enjoy the food together—a true celebration of community.
Supporting Our Community Through Food
Our Teaching Kitchen offers a practical and affordable way to learn about nutrition, healthy eating habits, and budget-friendly cooking. Our goal is to make good food accessible to everyone in our community, from teaching families how to cook on a budget to helping individuals expand their culinary skills. We strive to make healthy living a reality for all, and our Teaching Kitchen is one of the ways we make that possible.
If you're passionate about cooking and want to share your skills with the community, we encourage you to reach out to us about presenting in our Teaching Kitchen. It’s a great way to get involved with a good cause, share your love of food, and help others in their journey to healthier living.
This World Food Day, we invite you to join us in celebrating food as a powerful connector of people and cultures. Whether you're interested in attending a class or sharing your culinary talents, our Teaching Kitchen has something for everyone.
Learn more about our Teaching Kitchen and upcoming programs at the Oshkosh YMCA. Together, we can build a healthier, more connected community—one meal at a time.
Updated October 14, 2024.