Healthy eating is more fun for kids when they get involved in the selection and preparation of foods that promote good health. That’s the idea behind California Kids Cook, a new pilot program from CA GROWN and Gelson’s, designed to bring the “farm-to-store-to-fork-to-school” journey to life for local students.

“It is immensely important to educate — and engage with — our future shoppers,” said Cherie Watte, executive director of CA GROWN. “CA GROWN is thrilled to partner with Gelson's and the Ojai Pixie growers — and Franklin Elementary and the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast — to offer this unique experience connecting Santa Barbara youth with the people who produce, sell and prepare California agricultural products.”

Indeed, California Kids Cook links farmers, grocers, schools/youth organizations and families through immersive experiences that show kids exactly where their food comes from — and what to do with it once they get home. Students learn how California fruits and vegetables grow, strategies to shop thoughtfully for seasonality and budgets and how to confidently prepare simple, fresh dishes featuring local produce.

"Supporting our California growers, communities and healthy eating have always been cornerstones of Gelson's, so we are thrilled to see these pillars come to life, through the California Kids Cook program,” said Rich Almanza, director of produce for Gelson’s, a leading Southern California retailer.

Participating students from the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Franklin Elementary School will step into the shoes of an Ojai Pixie grower — a program managed by Melissa’s Produce — before heading into the store for culinary demonstrations, tastings and a scavenger hunt–style shopping challenge. Armed with a Pixie-inspired recipe — and a Gelson’s gift card — they’ll select their own ingredients, learning firsthand how to navigate the grocery aisles with purpose.

“We are delighted CA GROWN and Gelson’s are giving our Girl Scouts a unique and fun opportunity to earn the Power of Produce badges with the farm tour and store activities,” said Erin Mayo, director of mission delivery for Girls Scouts of California’s Central Coast. “We want our young girls to form positive memories — and lifelong skills and habits — and opportunities like CA Kids Cook are critical for that development.”

Back in the kitchen, Gelson’s in-house chef, Tony Dang, will bring the ingredients to life, preparing the featured recipe plus two additional Ojai Pixie dishes. Along the way, he’ll share practical tips on kitchen safety and ways to make fresh, locally grown ingredients more delicious and exciting.

Students will then take their ingredients and recipe home to recreate the dish with their families, extending the lesson beyond the store. CA GROWN will continue collaborating with Franklin Elementary and the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast to build on the program’s momentum.