In an ambitious effort to foster food education on a nationwide scale, The Charlie Cart Project is making significant strides across 47 states. Through their hands-on programming, this innovative project is delivering mobile kitchens to a variety of institutions, including schools, libraries, food banks, and farmers’ markets, along with other community organizations.

Carolyn Federman, the visionary founder of The Charlie Cart Project, was inspired to launch this initiative in 2015 after witnessing the transformative power of food education during her time at Edible Schoolyard. Recognizing that even communities with abundant fresh produce were grappling with a lack of knowledge about basic fruits and vegetables among their youth, Federman embarked on a mission to bridge this knowledge gap.

The core curriculum of The Charlie Cart Project offers comprehensive lesson plans designed to impart essential cooking skills while highlighting the crucial connection between personal health and the health of our planet.

Federman emphasizes that the work of food education carried out by The Charlie Cart Project plays a pivotal role in enhancing food access. She underscores the importance of equipping people with the knowledge and confidence to select and prepare fresh produce, making it more likely for them to take advantage of these nutritious options.

As we face the expiration of pandemic-era enhancements to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and the universal school lunch program, Federman sees these challenges as a microcosm of broader issues within government-funded programs. She hopes that The Charlie Cart Project can illuminate the potential of community-driven decision-making in addressing such challenges.

Federman envisions a future where The Charlie Cart Project fosters partnerships among local organizations, promoting sustainability and shared investment in community-wide food education programs. The ultimate goal is to institutionalize these programs, creating a lasting impact.

Currently, The Charlie Cart Project is conducting a three-year evaluation with support from the Vitamix Foundation. Early indicators suggest that the program is successfully introducing children to new foods and increasing their knowledge and openness to these ingredients. For instance, in a rural Alaskan native village, the introduction of Charlie Cart cooking lessons has led to increased student attendance.

Federman shares some encouraging statistics from early evaluations, stating that “84 percent of children in a Charlie Cart lesson tried a new food, and 38 percent asked their parents to purchase the food and/or make that recipe at home.”

Looking ahead, Federman and her dedicated team at The Charlie Cart Project envision a future where their affordable, portable, and comprehensive program can be scaled up to reach even more communities. Federman passionately asserts, “Food education is the long game,” and she firmly believes that with consistent programming for youth and families, the demand for fresh produce and cooking skills will continue to grow, creating a brighter and healthier future for all.