Watch CBS News

Art of Food: The Culinary Literacy Center

Sponsor Provided Content

The Free Library is advancing literacy in Philadelphia in a unique and innovative way—with a fork and a spoon. The Culinary Literacy Center is a commercial-grade kitchen that serves as a classroom space for all Philadelphians. We are more than just a cooking school. We teach math, reading, and consumer skills that help parents make recipes fit their families' needs. We teach nutrition and health literacy to help with disease prevention. We give children the opportunity to experiment with new foods, new tools, and new ideas. We offer our students a chance to learn about food by getting hands-on and behind the stove.

This isn't your grandmother's library. But it might taste a lot like her kitchen.

That's because we're focusing on teaching people how to cook real food with real ingredients. We offer:

  • Workshops on improving your health through a plant-based diet
  • Family classes that get you—and your kids—cooking in the kitchen
  • School trips that teach students how to cook fresh, seasonal foods
  • A series for adult learners that teaches literacy skills and nutrition lessons
  • Demonstrations from local chefs on everything from vegan soups and stews to butchering
  • A behind-the-scenes peek at your favorite cookbook authors in action

We've got something to appeal to everyone's tastes.

Every bite of food we eat has a story. Here's ours:
Opening in June 2014, the Culinary Literacy Center is revolutionizing the way Philadelphians think about food, nutrition and literacy.
The Free Library understands that literacy is not a "one size fits all" experience. People become literate through multiple different pathways—and food is one pathway we all have in common.

Everyone approaches the kitchen with a different perspective and background. With that in mind, the Culinary Literacy Center is striving to provide a fresh approach to cooking. Join us and build individual skills through interactive, community-focused workshops.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.