Growing Chefs! Ontario: Beginner Culinary Program

Our Beginner Culinary Program runs once per school year. To receive program updates and announcements, sign up for our monthly newsletter.

If you have any questions, please contact our Education Programs Manager, Christy Cook at christy@​growingchefsontario.​ca

What to Expect: Beginner Culinary is an 8‑week program for youth aged 5 to 7 to build their knowledge in the kitchen. This exciting program will build foundational cooking skills, all while participants are having fun, strengthening their confidence and getting creative! Skills include following a recipe, identifying common ingredients, paying attention to kitchen safety, learning to ​“taste like a chef”, and exploring their senses through food.

Date & Time: 

Dates for the 2025/2026 school year have not been set yet.

Location: will be hosted at The Grove at The Western Fair District, located at 900 King St.

Age: Participants must be between the ages of 5 to 7 on the first day of class.

Pricing: $160 ($20 per week X 8 weeks)

Cost includes all programming fees, a safe chopper, and small snack each week. Growing Chefs! Ontario is committed to providing low-cost food education experiences for youth. If cost is a barrier to registration, please contact info@​growingchefsontario.​ca to explore subsidy options.

Food Allergies: Our team is highly experienced in managing dietary restrictions. Do not let a dietary concern prevent your child from participating in our programming. Get in contact with our staff team and we’ll do our best to make appropriate accommodations. If a participant has a life-threatening allergy, please read our official Allergen Statement here and let us know if you have any questions.

Cancellations: Once full payment is received and registration is confirmed, any cancellation must be directly communicated to Growing Chefs! Staff as early as possible. Cancellations made once the program has started will be eligible for refunds on a case by case basis.

Our Social Story is designed to help participants prepare for their visit to Growing Chefs! and to help reduce the chances of encountering something uncomfortable or unexpected. This Social Story provides guidance and direction for what participation in a Growing Chefs! program will look like.