Culinary Program participants.
More Than a Meal: How DEAEF’s Culinary Program Is Empowering Richmond Youth
A new culinary program in Richmond, Virginia brought students, chefs, and community partners together in a meaningful way. Launched by the DEA Washington’s Operation Engage and DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF), the eight-week series invited youth to step into a hands-on kitchen space where they can learn, create, and connect.
The program was led by Chef’s K.I.S.S., which stands for Kitchen Innovations and Other Sustainable Skills. Students gathered once a week at Liberation Church, where a standard multipurpose room has been transformed into a bustling teaching kitchen. Each participant worked at a personal cooking station outfitted with burners and camper-style stoves, giving them the chance to practice real culinary techniques in a supportive and safe environment.
While cooking is a major highlight, the heart of the program runs even deeper. This Operation Engage Culinary Program was developed to not only spark joy for cooking, but it also led social emotional learning sessions that helped students navigate challenges such as bullying, peer pressure, and drug awareness. These conversations were woven naturally into the cooking process, giving students a space to reflect, build confidence, and practice teamwork.
Middle and high schoolers participated, with attendance ranging from eight to twelve students each session. What never changed was their enthusiasm. They arrived ready to chop, stir, season, and sample whatever the day’s lesson holds. Chef Kevin Sutton led the instruction, bringing remarkable real-world experience as a chef for Air Force 2. He formerly served Vice President Kamala Harris and now serves Vice President JD Vance and his team. When he traveled, Richmond-based chef Chelsea Taylor stepped in, well-known locally for her healthy meal prep services that make nutritious eating simple and enjoyable.
“The Culinary Program provides an engaging way to introduce and develop cooking skills among the youth, giving them the opportunity to see and enjoy the tangible results of their efforts. Because the program is hands-on, it naturally captures youth interest and engagement, creating an ideal environment to simultaneously reinforce drug prevention education while cultivating essential life skills.”
The first session set the tone with vanilla French toast, berries, omelets, and million dollar bacon. Since then the students have explored an impressive range of dishes, including steak egg rolls, pork with apples and sauteed green beans, stove top pizza, Rice Krispie turkey legs, cake pops, and charcuterie boards. During the final week, families were invited for a celebratory brunch that showcased everything their young chefs have learned.
Participants came from across Richmond and nearby counties. Schools represented included Lucille Brown, Fairfield, Providence, John Rolfe, and Dogwood Middle. Some students walked in confident and ready to lead, while others entered more quietly. Over time, the kitchen became the great equalizer, a place where everyone found a role.
Through its partnership with DEA Washington’s Operation Engage and the commitment of DEAEF team and Chef’s K.I.S.S., this Richmond culinary program gave young people a meaningful place to learn, explore, and thrive. This was much more than a cooking class. It was an opportunity for students to gain skills that nourish their confidence, strengthen their families, and empower their futures.
Updated Dec 19, 2025
Partnerships, YP