PACTCooking is an introductory and experiential project designed to give at-risk give youth an opportunity to obtain practical culinary skills, while also giving back to the community.

Over a six week period, PACTCooking teaches youth about nutrition and food safety and introduces them to different cuisines from around the world. The project culminates with a graduation dinner that allows them to create a menu and cook a meal for individuals in their community that could use the friendship and warmth.

PACT provides team-building, a skills-based learning environment and a strong community-service component. The program requires a commitment of 2.5 hour classes’ one-night-a-week for six consecutive weeks excepting holidays.

As part of its expanded mandate of prevention and partnership with the schools, PACTCooking is now also offered as after-school programming at a number of select high schools across the GTA.

PACTCooking would not have been possible without the leadership and support of Marjorie Agnew, owner of Toronto specialty kitchen store, The Main Course.