Dr. Megan Bartley developed Kitchen Hero Academy (KHA) as her occupational therapy doctoral capstone through Boston University in 2021. Background: Statistically, Reno County has higher rates of food insecurity than the state and national averages. In hopes of alleviating the long-term negative effects of food insecurity in our community, KHA is a free 10-week summer garden-to-table nutrition prog
ram for low-income and at-risk middle-school students in Hutchinson, KS. KHA is partnered with Clothed in Compassion, Corp., Dr. Bartley's non-profit pediatric therapy clinic in Reno County. Over the past several years, KHA has gained the support of more than 27 community partners and individuals who believe in the mission and vision of KHA, as demonstrated through their financial sponsorships, educational / field trip experiences, and programming support. The data: Data is collected each summer before and after the program. Statistical analyses have supported that KHA is effective in: a) increasing healthy food preferences, b) improving food preparation skills, c) improving the ability to make healthy food choices, d) increasing nutritional knowledge, and e) developing skills needed to work as a team among the youth we serve. The team has also seen immense growth in compassion and patience, whole body listening, using safe calming strategies, and leadership skill development. At this time, KHA is a summer cooking skills program for middle schoolers in USD308. Dr. Bartley has hopes of expanding programming into local schools, partnering with other organizations, and sharing her important work beyond the borders of Reno County. Thanks to generous donors / sponsors, KHA is free to all participating families. If you would like to donate to Kitchen Hero Academy, you can do so here: https://givebutter.com/NPO3k2
