Describe the Issue or Situation.  The Global Kitchen Experiences cooking class series brought cultural exploration to life through food, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn the history, customs, and culinary techniques behind tamales, crepes, and bagels. 

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).  

Program Impact:

• Knowledge & Skills: 83% of participants reported improved skills and knowledge in preparing tamales, crepes, and bagels.

• Food Safety & Preparation: 97% reported an increase in knowledge related to food safety, storage, and preparation.

• Openness to New Foods: 100% of attendees shared that they felt more open to trying new foods after the classes.

• Confidence: 92% reported high confidence in being able to recreate the recipes at home.

The series was also a successful outreach effort, intentionally designed to attract new individuals to Extension’s informal education programs. Participant feedback reflected excitement and engagement, with many suggesting additional countries and dishes for future classes. The enthusiasm confirmed a growing interest in cultural culinary education and a community-wide desire for more inclusive learning experiences.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.  

Over the course of three hands-on classes, 36 community members engaged in an educational journey through Mexico, France, and Poland—discovering not only how to make traditional dishes, but also how geography and local ingredients have influenced the evolution of these beloved foods. Each class featured a blend of cultural storytelling and cooking instruction. Participants learned how tamales reflect deep family and holiday traditions in Mexico, how crepes became a staple of French cuisine, and how bagels traveled with Jewish communities through Eastern Europe to become a global favorite. The classes fostered rich conversations about heritage, adaptation, and identity, while encouraging participants to explore food beyond their usual comfort zones.

At the end of each session, participants prepared the recipes themselves and were able to take home what they made—bringing new skills, tastes, and traditions back to their families.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact.     Global Kitchen Experiences met its goal of introducing new foods and customs to the community while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures. By creating a space for connection through cuisine, the program helped promote inclusivity, cultural awareness, and a sense of shared humanity—one dish at a time.