Culinary Connections
Culinary Connections is an innovative, immersive kitchen experience for individuals to learn culinary techniques, nutritional literacy, communication and coping skills. Through a variety of courses created for various audiences, students are better able to plan and prepare balanced meals and ultimately enhance overall health, wellness and independence.
“No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.” – Julia Child
Check out our brand new teaching kitchen in Hampton Roads, VA!
Our impact
95%
of R4I participants maintained or increased their kitchen tool and skill identification!
100%
report improvement in cooking skills and/or interest in cooking and food exploration!
100%
would recommend these courses to a friend!
Culinary Connections offers three experiential culinary arts courses and two specialized kitchen group therapy opportunities:
Multiple courses and class are offered throughout the year. Submit an inquiry for specific dates in your area!
Two Specialized Kitchen Group Therapy Opportunities
1. Culinary Arts
A collection of culinary classes for a variety of age groups and focus areas.
- Recipe for Independence
- Cooking with Friends
- Community-Based Pop Ups
- Coming Soon! Cooking Club
Recipe for Independence
An interactive skill-building course designed for adults of varying abilities to learn more independent and healthy habits in the kitchen. Topics include: cooking techniques, food diversity, healthy alternatives, kitchen safety & sanitation, and understanding recipes. Classes consist of eight sessions that last 1.5 hours each, led by a disability-informed culinary team. Each session focuses on one specific skill where participants are given multiple opportunities to practice the skill while producing a recipe they enjoy eating at the end!
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- Ages 16+
- Level 1 and Level 2 classes
- Multiple instructional techniques utilized, such as: photos & videos, modeling, task analysis, adaptive kitchen tools and so much more!
Cooking with Friends
A course for younger children to explore the kitchen, build on developmental play & communication skills and have fun in a social setting. “The kitchen is my playground” —there are no lectures or skill drills, simply a way to get comfortable with kitchen tools, tastes and techniques. We use our imaginations and practice important friendship activities for a positive food-centered experience.
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- Ages 5-9
- Four, 1 hour sessions
Community-Based Pop-Ups
Community-based, small group activities presented in partnership with other programs. These allow more individuals to participate at various locations.
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- Themed ingredients
- Nutritional literacy information
- Hands-on activities
- Food exploration
- Smoothie bike
- I want to host a Pop-Up!
Club Cuisine
A social-based, food-centric group experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to further explore culinary topics and skills. Each “Club Cuisine” is themed, such as: Holiday Cookies, Soups, Sushi… the possibilities are endless! This is the perfect opportunity for past students to keep learning and potential students to get a taste of our curriculum. Check your local calendar for classes available near you.
2. Culinary Wellness
A collection of culinary classes with specific targeted goals in mind
- iCook!
- Kitchen Mission
Learn more below.
iCook!
A skill-building and wellness hybrid course for foster care youth to prepare them for adulthood by pairing basic cooking skills with therapeutic coping techniques. This course is led by a licensed social worker with trauma-informed specialty skills and experience working with children in foster care.
Kitchen Mission
This culinary therapy group courses specifically tailored to skills and lifestyle stress needs such as: mindfulness, communication, connectedness, and healthy habits. Led by a licensed social worker with military and trauma-informed experience, the groups will learn techniques in a familiar setting to reduce stigma and improve intermittent practice in their home environment.
Program Overview
The goal of Culinary Connections is to teach culinary skills, nutritional literacy and overall wellness interventions that extend far beyond the classroom, leading to greater independence and quality of life for individuals with different abilities. From our flagship kitchen in the heart of Virginia Beach to our mobile instructional programming integrated inside the community, Culinary Connections is a valuable resource for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health challenges, substance use disorders, foster care and military connected groups.
Eligibility
Contact
Areas Served
Online Inquiry
Culinary Connections in the News!
A Taste of Joy / VEER Magazine
February 2025
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On Your Side / WAVY.com
November 20, 2024
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Starline News Online
June 7, 2024
The VirginiaN-Pilot
April 28, 2024
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Hampton Roads Show
February 21, 2024
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Thank you to our sponsors!
Our services rely on the funds and partnerships from community organizations and supporters. We’d like to acknowledge the following for their generous support.
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- Chartway Promise Foundation
- Creative Home and Kitchen
- ECU Health
- GS-JJ
- Jennifer Lynn Gray Fund of the
Hampton Roads Community Foundation
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- Langley for Families
- NC Cooperative Extension
- New Hanover Community Endowment
- New Hanover County
- Sentara Health
Here’s what people are saying…
Follow Culinary Connections on Facebook!
Facebook Posts
🔥 Chef Fest is almost here! 🔥
Get ready for a one of a kind culinary experience where Hampton Roads’ top chefs come together to celebrate the industry while providing support for another kind of culinarian.
From bold flavors and creative bites to chef appearances, drinks, a lively silent auction in an unforgettable atmosphere, Chef Fest is a food lover’s dream. Whether you’re a serious foodie or just looking for a delicious night out, this is an event you do not want to miss.
🎟️ Tickets are going fast—secure yours today!
Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and join us for a celebration of food, flavor, and local culinary talent.
👉 Buy tickets now before they sell out: secure.qgiv.com/event/cheffest2026/
Meet one of our talented Chefs! 🔥
We’re excited to welcome Chef Khaled Baladi of Baladi Mediterranean Cafe back to Chef Fest: A Taste of Joy!
Get ready for bold flavors, creative dishes, and serious culinary skills.
#ChefFest #ChefSpotlight #LocalChefs #FoodLovers
✨ Look at this masterpiece! ✨
Our student turned snack time into an art form with this gorgeous charcuterie board. 🧀🥖🍇 Thanks to the slicing and plating skills learned in class, every detail is picture-perfect! Who else is hungry now? 😍
#CulinaryConnections #chefintraining #charcuteriegoals
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