Food Smarts Training Program (Includes Sample Curriculum Bundle)-2025

Description: Food Smarts is a flexible, learner-centered cooking and nutrition curriculum with materials and lesson plans appropriate for K-12 youth and adults (including older adults).  Participants of this training program will:

• Learn how to implement the Food Smarts nutrition and cooking program for adults and kids
• Explore the relationship between positive and adverse experiences and nourishment
• Develop trauma-informed engagement and facilitation strategies
• Learn how to facilitate virtual and in-person recipe demonstrations and group cooking activities that do not require a full kitchen.

Audience: For agency staff, volunteers, and community leaders.  [If an agency has multiple participants, each participant must register separately so that their registered email address can then be added to our online training system.]

Training Delivery and Dates:  This training includes self-paced content (videos, reflection activities, and readings) and live, instructor-led virtual sessions. Once you register, you will receive several emails in early January inviting you to our online platform (TalentLMS) and will need to complete about 2 hours of self-paced work prior to the first live session. Participants will have access to digital curriculum files and be mailed a Food Smarts curriculum bundle (includes an Adult workbook and instructor guide and a Kids workbook and instructor guide). Please note if you register after January 2, your curriculum materials may arrive after the first live session. Key dates are as follows:

• Self-Paced Course Opens:  Early January
• Registration Closes: January 19
• Live Zoom Sessions: January 22 and February 5; Times: 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. PT

Total Training Time:  Approximately eight hours total (four hours of live sessions and about four hours of self-paced work)

Next Steps:  Upon completion of this program, participants are certified to deliver the Food Smarts Adult and Kids curriculum.

*If you are purchasing this training for someone else, please note their name and email in the “Order note” box at checkout.

Note for CalFresh Healthy Living Participants:  Please visit the new CFHL Statewide Training platform to register for this training. Email CFHLStatewideTraining@leahspantry.org if you need assistance.