Teen Kitchen Project’s (TKP) mission is building healthier, more connected communities by providing nourishing food to individuals with serious illness. We provide critically ill people in Santa Cruz County with home-delivered, medically-tailored meals and support from a dietitian. TKP is the only nonprofit in the County that prepares and delivers medically-tailored meals. Our Teen Chefs gain workforce skills through employment and volunteer opportunities while giving back to their community.
In 2024-25, TKP plans to provide 250,000 meals to more than 1,200 individuals in Santa Cruz County who face life-threatening illnesses. We are seeking $25,000 to purchase a refrigerated van, which will allow us to expand our medically-tailored meal delivery to an additional 100 clients per week. Your support will help ensure that more members of our community receive the nutritious, ready-to-heat meals they need to maintain their health and well-being during serious health challenges.
Approximately 150 teen chefs (ages 14-18) from all areas of the County learn to prepare, cook and package meals for delivery.
TKP has been such a blessing. I love the meals and feel so much better now. I have actually lost weight and my doctor is happy with the improvement in my blood sugar. I eat more vegetables now and new kinds of vegetables, too. I feel more energy and even take walks almost every day. I appreciate this program so much. Thank you.
Miranda, TKP Client
