Igniting Minds

Our 5th–8th graders teamed up with Bill Kim from Urbanbelly to learn about Korean culture while making dumplings from scratch. The kitchen was full of curiosity, collaboration, and a few new cooking skills along the way!

Moments like this remind us that food isn’t just about what’s on the plate, rather it’s about connection. When students cook and learn together, they build confidence, deepen their understanding of different cultures, and create meaningful relationships that last beyond the kitchen.

This past week, our students visited Cabra, a vibrant Peruvian restaurant located in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market District. Peruvian cuisine beautifully blends influences from Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and Indigenous traditions, creating a rich and dynamic culinary experience. Served family-style, students had the opportunity to sample a wide array of dishes, including ceviche, empanadas, tuna tataki, and more. We are especially grateful to the incredible staff, who shared the history and cultural significance behind each dish, making the experience both delicious and deeply educational.

Igniting Minds is raising funds to feed 200 kids facing food insecurity, and every share or donation truly helps. If you’re able, please share this link with your network or donate whatever feels right:
👉 https://donorbox.org/meals-that-matter-give-students-what-they-need-to-learn

With school starting soon, scholarship deadlines are approaching quickly! Stay tuned for more updates about deadlines, scholarships, and more opportunities for students this school year!

Our intergenerational cooking event brought together youth and elders to share cherished recipes, cultural traditions, and personal stories. Through this gathering, we celebrated heritage, fostered meaningful connections, and created lasting memories across generations.