Back-to-School Flashback: Building Confidence in the Kitchen

As families gear up for a new school year, we’re reflecting on one of our favorite spring community events that celebrated learning, creativity, and healthy eating.

In April, Afro Vegan Society partnered with Child First, a Baltimore-based nonprofit dedicated to youth development and family engagement, and Better Health Better Life to bring a hands-on cooking class to 4th graders at Belmont Elementary School. Together, we shared the joy of preparing healthy, plant-based meals that students can make at home—on their own!

The featured recipe of the day was Chickpea “Tuna” Salad, a simple, no-heat dish made with chickpeas, celery, vegan mayo, mustard, dill relish, and Old Bay seasoning. Each student received their own set of tools and ingredients, learning how to chop, mix, and season their dish from start to finish.

What started with some hesitation quickly turned into excitement as students proudly tasted their creations, experimented with seasonings, and shared their confidence with their peers. By the end, nearly every child not only enjoyed the recipe but also took their salad and a printed copy of the recipe home to share with their families.

This event highlighted the power of food education: giving children the skills and confidence to make healthy choices that will benefit them for years to come. The enthusiastic response from both students and staff reminds us why these programs are so meaningful and why we’re committed to continuing them.

🎥 Want to see the joy, creativity, and big smiles from the day?

👉 Watch our full recap video on YouTube shorts

Watch Here