Since 2009, Heat of the Kitchen has served approximately 50 underserved high school youth per year at Ida B. Wells Continuation High School as an active, professional practice with a culinary theme.  An alternative high school of SFUSD, our school is across from the iconic Alamo Square Park in San Francisco and our students come from all over the city.

Our favorite moments have to do with witnessing discovery in the youth we serve, whether it is building skills, a sense of self, a sense of inner value or sharing their accomplishments and appreciating discovery in others. 

We use all of our senses when we cook together and the accomplishments go in deep – it is a catalyst for connection, appreciation, motivation and forward planning. Our youth are amazing and time and again show their adaptability, resilience and value. We hope that our work together helps them see these attributes (and more) in themselves.

Fast forward to 2022(!) and you’ll find we are finding new ways to make valuable connections with hands on work with food.  Please check back for more updates and thank you!