What it is
A 6‑week, culturally grounded program blending nutrition education, budgeting, and hands‑on cooking. Every session ends with a meal dads take home for the family.
How it works
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Warm‑up: quick check‑in and knife‑skills safety.
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Demo: chef shows the recipe + swaps for allergies & budget.
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Cook‑along: dads & kids make it together—step by step.
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Learning bite: 10‑minute lesson (labels, portions, gut health).
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Family pack‑up: portion, label, and take dinner home.
What dads learn
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Budget shopping & smart swaps at Aldi/Sprouts/Food Lion.
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Seasoning without excess salt/sugar; oil & air‑fry basics.
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Kid‑friendly roles: wash, measure, stir, set the table.
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Meal prep: 2 proteins + 3 sides you can remix all week.
Sample 6-Week Curriculum
Week 1 • Knife Skills & Safety
One‑pan chicken, brown rice, broccoli. Label reading 101.
Program Details
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Who: Dads . Beginners welcome.
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Where: Kika’s House / partner sites in West Charlotte.
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Cost: Free for most participants; donations welcome.
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Includes: Groceries, recipes, and take‑home meals.
Questions? Email rufus.lockhart @kikashouse.org
Partners & Supporters
United Way of Greater Charlotte • Fatherhood Empowerment Network • Community chefs • Local grocers • Rec centers • Neighborhood leaders
Host a series
Bring the program to your school, church, or rec center. We handle curriculum, chefs, and supplies.
Sponsor a Cohort
$5,000 covers 6 weeks for 12 families: groceries, chef, stipends, and take‑home kits.
Volunteer
Support set‑up, photos, and kid stations. Training provided.