Kitchen Cred Offers Teens Recipes For Life

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - When Doug Barg was between jobs three years ago, he found something more gratifying. He was motivated by watching his son, Sean, a child who had been in and out of eight foster homes in ten years, turn to cooking as a means of coping.

Hence was the founding of Kitchen Cred, a way for Barg to share his expertise in non-formal education to help kids who have experienced adversity become healthier, happier individuals in their communities.

Beyond learning about nutrition and food preparation and cooking creatively, students develop self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. The six session program combines the experience of educators, chefs, nutritionists and the Barg family's passion for all things culinary.

To increase its impact, Kitchen Cred partners with other groups and agencies and the program takes place at those sites - Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Youth Emergency Service Shelter and YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School among them.

Learn more about this inspiring not-for-profit initiative at KitchenCred.org.