By teaching children how to create healthier cooking options, we can assist families in the community in creating a healthier lifestyle.

Happy Women with Tablet Pc Cooking in Kitchen

Our mission

To educate students and families about cooking to create a more equitable and healthy community.

About us

Within our target 37208 zip code:

  • Population: The population in ZIP code 37208 is approximately 16,067 people.
  • Population Density: The area has a slightly higher population density compared to other ZIP codes in the United States, with 3,480 people per square mile.
  • Ethnicity: The majority of residents in this ZIP code are black or African American.
  • Age Distribution: There is a significant number of people in their late 20s to early 40s, and a large population of young adults.


About us

  • Gender Distribution:
    • Male: 46%
    • Female: 54%
  • Household Types:
    • Husband-Wife Families: 16%
    • Single Guardians: 36%
    • Singles: 40%
    • Singles with Roommates: 8%
  • Households with Kids:
    • Households without Kids: 71%
    • Households with Kids: 29%


Students during cooking class

About us

  • Children: The percentage of children under 18 living in the 37208 ZIP code is slightly higher than average compared to other areas of the country.
  • Median Household Income: The median household income in this area is $22,409.
  • Median Home Value: The median home value is $96,400.


  • Race/Ethnicity Distribution:
    • Black or African American: 86.2%
    • White: 10.3%
    • Other Races: 3.5% (including American Indian, Asian, and others)


-Data gathered from https://www.unitedstateszipcodes.org/37208/


About us

  • The goal of Cooking Thyme is to teach students how to prepare a variety of food in order to promote a balanced diet.
  • Students will have the opportunity to create recipes and sample foods created by fellow students.
  • Cooking Thyme will also partner with local small businesses to help students learn cooking techniques and entrepreneurship.


Chef in restaurant kitchen cooking

Potential impact

Community

Family

Student

Stakeholder Improvement

By working with students to teach healthier options, we can positively impact the entire community

Meet the team

Founder & CEO

Dr. Stephanie Hendrith

Dr. Hendrith has spent nearly 15 years working with students in public education from kindergarten through higher education. With a focus on creating systems to assist students reach their potential and build a healthier future, Dr. Hendrith has adopted a holistic approach to improve the community.

Community Relations Director

Matthew Hendrith

With a Masters degree concentrating on leadership and global communication, Matthew is now leveraging his expertise to bring new partnerships with local businesses. As director of community relations he is a pivotal part of the growth process and success of Cooking Thyme.

Flat-lay Photography of Variety of Vegetables

proposed budget

items needed

Cost

Aprons, gloves, oven mitts, kitchen towels

$500

Cooking utensils, skillets, blenders, griddles, mixing bowls, toaster ovens, air fryers

$2000

Non-perishable foods, fresh and frozen vegetables, fresh and frozen meat, spices

$3000

Staff Salary

$2000

Transportation to field experiences

$2500

woman cooking egg

Proposed schedule

Cooking Ingredients on Chopping Board

Students meet afterschool Monday-Thursday at dismissal (3:55).

Program assistant will have room organized and set up to begin meal preparation for the day, then walk students through the cooking process. (4:15-4:45)

Students will collaborate on cooking with assistance from the program assistant. (4:45-5:30)

Students clean up cooking spaces and pack up their prepared meals. (5:30-5:55)

Dismissal (6:00)

Once every two weeks, students will visit a local restaurant in 37208 and learn how to cook from a member of the restaurant staff.

Timeline

June 2024

Fundraising

July 2024

Partnerships

August 2024

Registration

August 2024

Implementation

September 2024

Field Experience

Solicite funds by applying for grants, crowdfunding, social media awareness, and private donations.

Community relations director builds partnerships with local businesses and restaurants to assist with funding and scheduling field trips.

Approve paperwork permission forms, facilities use form from MNPS, safety forms, staffing procedures, etc

sign up students for program

Students begin Cooking Thyme.

Review safety and behavior expectations and set goals for the year.

Students go on their first community field experience to,learn from partners.

Contact Us

(615)496-4782