What projects have you been involved in where kids have cooked for a cause?

I have done Cooking For a Cause events with kids for years.  One of the earliest projects I did was with the campers at our local Humane Society.  Each week, I made dog and cat treats with the campers for the animals who lived in the shelter.  We talked about how you can love someone through food, and since these animals didn't have families yet, our homemade treats might make them feel better.

I have also been a huge supporter of the Great American Bake Sale through Share our Strength.  My students and I bake a variety of treats, which we sell to raise money to fight childhood hunger in America.  What started as a simple bake sale has turned into a big community event.  We now have a big outdoor BBQ and concert, featuring local school children and adult bands.  Of course, we sell our baked goods too - but all money from the entire event goes towards Share our Strength.

And we are about to host our first ever SOUP event.  I have partnered with a local art school for children.  She has worked with kids to make and glaze soup bowls, and I have been going into the local schools to make soup with children.  People will pay a small price to attend our event, and will get to select a bowl which we will fill with soup.  After enjoying a meal together, families get to take their empty bowls home as a reminder that they have done something to help local families in need.

What benefits do you see for children and families who participate in these projects?

There are the obvious benefits - families spending quality time together.  But I think it also helps children think outside of their own realm.  There ARE people that are less fortunate, and each child has the power to do something positive to make a difference to those people.  It is amazing to see the pride that they display when they do something to help others!

Have you learned from experience what types of projects are more likely to be successful?  Any specific things you've learned to definitely do ~ or to definitely avoid ~ when planning a project?

People love to feel helpful.  But they also like to come away from the project feeling like that have actually "done something."  I am noticing that people are less inclined to write a check or simply attend an event - they seem more excited to DO something to help, such as make soup or bake cookies.  And people are especially excited when they can be helpful in a group of their peers.  For example, people are interested in having a "soup making party" for our event this weekend.  There is something special about the social aspect of service that makes a difference!

Are there particular types of organizations or causes that are more open to children being involved?

Privacy is a huge issue.  Many organizations are very careful not to turn community service into a spectator sport.  It's not always about seeing the people you are helping, but more the act of doing the service itself.

Some soup kitchens only allow older children to help, as a safety precaution.

How important is parent participation?

I don't think that kids would be as inclined to do service work unless their parents were supportive of the project.  In some instances, I communicate the idea to parents, who then transmit their enthusiasm to their children.  And of course, parents are the chauffeurs - so their participation is pretty important.

Sometimes the hardest step can be just getting started with something.  Any words of wisdom to share for parents who might be interested in starting a cooking for a cause project?  What types of support and/or systems do you think need to be in place?

Persistence and patience are key.  It is easy to get frustrated when your enthusiasm isn't noticed or shared by others.  I would suggest that people ask kids what they are excited about, and let them help guide the direction of the project.  If they are involved, they are more inclined to get their friends and families to participate.  Support systems are helpful, but if you are starting small, they aren't necessary.  When I was just getting started, I saw a press release template that was useful.  It gave me the confidence that I could share something important with the press in a format that they would recognize and respect.

Do you need a site with a large or industrial kitchen to do these projects?

No, you don't need a commercial kitchen.  Officially if you are selling food, you need to prepare it in a commercial kitchen.  But if you are collecting "donations" you don't.  It can be tricky ;-)