Outdoor Teaching Kitchen

Outdoor Teaching Kitchen Purpose:

The Outdoor Teaching Kitchen at the Urban Farm, located at 1000 S. Knob St., Temple, TX 76501, will be a vibrant, hands-on learning space designed to bridge the gap between farm and table. As a cornerstone of the farm’s educational and community outreach efforts, the kitchen will promote wellness, sustainability, and food literacy, powered by the innovative programming of Cultivate Academy-CTX. Activities in the Outdoor Teaching Kitchen will include:

1. Cooking Classes and Demonstrations

• Hosting interactive cooking classes led by Cultivate Academy-CTX students, local chefs, and nutrition educators.

• Teaching participants how to prepare healthy, farm-to-table meals using fresh produce grown on-site.

• Highlighting simple, affordable recipes that emphasize the use of seasonal, nutrient-dense ingredients like microgreens, herbs, and vegetables.

2. Student-Led Culinary Education

• Empowering Cultivate Academy students to plan, prepare, and lead cooking demonstrations, building confidence and leadership skills.

• Teaching students culinary techniques, food safety practices, and the nutritional benefits of fresh ingredients.

• Encouraging students to develop their own recipes and share them with the community, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.

3. Food as Medicine Workshops

• Offering workshops that explore the relationship between food, health, and wellness, aligned with Un-Included’s mission of promoting holistic health.

• Featuring hands-on lessons about how different foods support the immune system, improve digestion, and prevent chronic illnesses.

• Partnering with local health professionals and Cultivate Academy students to deliver practical advice and cooking tips for improving dietary habits.

4. Community Events and Engagement

• Organizing community events such as farm-to-table dinners, seasonal celebrations, and cultural food festivals that bring people together.

• Using the kitchen as a focal point for events like harvest festivals, CSA pickup days, and local market gatherings.

• Encouraging community members to share family recipes, stories, and traditions to foster cultural exchange and connection.

5. Youth Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Training

• Integrating the Outdoor Teaching Kitchen into Cultivate Academy’s entrepreneurship curriculum, teaching students how to turn culinary skills into business opportunities.

• Exploring value-added products, such as salsas, pestos, or pickles, that can be sold at the farm’s markets and gift shop.

• Providing students with real-world experience in customer service, menu planning, and event management.

6. Nutrition and Food Literacy Education

• Demonstrating the importance of balanced, nutrient-rich meals through hands-on meal preparation.

• Teaching participants how to read food labels, plan meals, and reduce food waste.

• Encouraging discussions about food justice, access, and the role of urban agriculture in creating equitable food systems.

7. Seasonal and Thematic Programming

• Adapting classes and demonstrations to align with the growing season, such as fresh salads in spring, grilling in summer, soups in fall, and preserves in winter.

• Hosting themed workshops that explore global cuisines, vegetarian cooking, or kid-friendly recipes.

• Incorporating holiday-specific programming, such as “Healthy Holiday Cooking” or “Thanksgiving Farm Feast” demonstrations.

8. Sustainability Practices and Zero-Waste Cooking

• Demonstrating zero-waste cooking techniques, such as using vegetable scraps for stocks and composting kitchen waste.

• Incorporating solar ovens or other eco-friendly cooking methods to highlight sustainable practices.

• Teaching participants how to store and preserve fresh produce to extend its shelf life and reduce waste.

9. Collaboration and Partnerships

• Partnering with local chefs, restaurants, and wellness advocates to deliver high-quality programming in the kitchen.

• Collaborating with Cultivate Academy students to design menus and events that align with the farm’s mission.

• Hosting guest educators and experts to provide diverse perspectives on food and wellness.

10. Research and Curriculum Development

• Using the Outdoor Teaching Kitchen as a hands-on laboratory for Cultivate Academy students to experiment with recipes, food pairings, and preparation techniques.

• Documenting and sharing best practices for teaching culinary skills in an outdoor setting.

• Incorporating lessons from the kitchen into Cultivate Academy’s broader educational framework, ensuring a holistic approach to food literacy.

With Cultivate Academy-CTX as the driving force, the Outdoor Teaching Kitchen will serve as a model for how urban farms can educate, nourish, and empower their communities. This space will not only connect participants to the food they eat but also inspire them to embrace sustainable, health-focused lifestyles, ensuring the Urban Farm remains a beacon of innovation and impact.

The cost of building an outdoor kitchen with a pavilion and seating for up to 15 people for classes and outdoor dining will vary depending on materials, features, and location. Below is a detailed estimate tailored for Temple, TX:

Cost Breakdown

1. Pavilion Structure

• Size: Approx. 16x20 ft (sufficient for seating and kitchen area).

• Materials:

  • Wood frame: $50–$80 per sq. ft.

  • Metal frame: $40–$60 per sq. ft.

• Roofing: Metal or shingle roof: $3,500–$8,000.

• Total for Pavilion: $12,800–$20,000

2. Outdoor Kitchen Features

• Appliances:

  • Built-in gas grill: $3,000–$6,000.

  • Mini fridge: $500–$1,500.

  • Sink with plumbing: $1,500–$3,500.

  • Storage cabinets (weatherproof): $2,000–$4,000.

  • Countertops (concrete or granite): $2,000–$5,000.

• Utilities:

  • Electrical hookups for outlets and lighting: $2,500–$5,000.

  • Plumbing (water supply and drainage): $3,000–$6,000.

  • Gas line (if using natural gas for grill): $1,500–$3,500.

• Total for Outdoor Kitchen: $16,500–$35,500

3. Seating and Dining Area

• Furniture:

  • Outdoor dining table and chairs (seating for 12): $2,500–$5,000.

  • Additional benches or movable seating (optional): $1,000–$2,500.

• Flooring/Surface:

  • Concrete slab or pavers: $8–$15 per sq. ft. (~320 sq. ft.): $2,560–$4,800.

• Shade/Decor: Pergola extension, fans, or lighting: $1,500–$3,000.

• Total for Seating/Dining Area: $7,560–$15,300

4. Permits, Site Prep, and Miscellaneous

• Permits (construction, plumbing, electrical): $1,000–$2,500.

• Site Preparation: Grading, leveling, and foundation: $3,000–$6,000.

• Contingency (10–15%): $4,000–$8,000.

• Total for Miscellaneous: $8,000–$16,500

Total Estimated Cost:

$44,860–$87,300

Additional Options:

1. Eco-Friendly Enhancements:

   • Solar panels for powering lights/appliances: $5,000–$10,000.

   • Rainwater collection system for sink water: $1,500–$3,500.

2. Classroom Features:

   • Whiteboard or presentation area: $500–$1,000.

   • Additional seating for observers (benches): $1,000–$2,500.

Notes:

• Material selection (e.g., premium wood, stainless steel appliances) can significantly impact costs.

• If the kitchen is used year-round, consider adding weatherproofing features like wind screens or heaters.