Freda Francis •10 months ago 'Seed to Stove' is a hands-on project designed to ignite a passion for growing and cooking in local young people, providing foundational skills for a new generation of farmers and chefs. It merges culinary skills with gardening, empowering the local youth within the community to grow their own ingredients and then use those ingredients to create dishes in the kitchen. 'Seed to Stove' focuses on sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and culinary techniques, offering aspiring young chefs both a foundation in gardening and an opportunity to develop their cooking abilities.As young people progress further into the project, they will be presented with a unique opportunity to learn both culinary and gardening skills required to produce delicious, sustainable and nutritious meals. By teaching young people the full "Seed to Stove" journey, they will develop an appreciation for food and gain practical knowledge they can carry with them into their future careers as chefs and growers.The project will run for 10 weeks where each session will have a combination of both theory and practical aspects. Our first session starts off with an 'Introduction to the Chefs Garden' whether on a balcony or in a small patch young people will be able to learn how to create and look after their very own chef garden. From how our food grows, seasonal cooking, harvesting and plating right through to menu creation and planning. Each young person will be able to create a balanced menu and plan dishes that are not only nutritious and affordable however complement each other.Additionally to further engage local young people ,'Seed to Stove' will plan to include field trips to a local farm, guest chef demonstrations as well as a 'Graduation Feast' .Our 'Graduation Feast' will be a time to celebrate our young people's achievements over the 10 week project, also it will be an opportunity for them to celebrate with their family, friends and their community.My name is Freda a local chef, grower, and passionate advocate for empowering the next generation through food. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, both in operations and as a professional chef, I’ve dedicated my career to serving others in the kitchen and beyond.My roots in food run deep. Raised by a mother who was a caterer and a grandfather who was a farmer, I grew up understanding the powerful connection between food, family, and community. Today, I continue that legacy through my work at Grow Box on Vincent Street in Canning Town, where I lead gardening sessions for local residents and share my knowledge and love for growing food.Food has shaped my life in every way guiding my career and inspiring my mission to teach, mentor, and uplift the next generation. The experiences and lessons I've gained are not just mine to keep they’re meant to be shared and so I'm sharing 'Seed to Stove' with you.
