Family bonding begins with simple moments around the table. Late Friday afternoon, as we celebrated family, connection, and togetherness this May, What’s Stirring Family Foundation had the opportunity to provide a warm and joyful cooking experience for four families with children of all ages. The room slowly came alive with songs led by Daniel and Alonna, a fun reader’s theater activity, and the preparation of two simple and healthy recipes. Together, families learned about n

Sometimes what looks like a mistake…is actually a moment of meaning in the making. It started with a spelling assignment. A child was working through their words—sounding them out, thinking carefully, and trying to make sense of what they heard. When they got to the word nutrition , they paused and wrote something close: “new-tri-cion.” It wasn’t correct. And in that moment, we worked through it together. The child learned the correct spelling— nutrition —and we talked about

As I began learning the kids’ names and hearing their excitement, it was clear this experience was already becoming something special. Our very first Cooking Up Literacy experience at the Boys & Girls Club didn’t involve cooking—but it delivered something just as meaningful. It built excitement. It built connection. And it gave kids ownership from day one. A Sweet Start Before the session began, kids enjoyed free Kona Ice during part of the scheduled time. It was a simple mo

Cooking Up Literacy is more than a program—it’s a growing community partnership supporting families through literacy, nutrition, and connection. Over the past several weeks, Cooking Up Literacy has been in a meaningful season of building—forming connections with organizations that share a commitment to supporting families and young children. While grant applications are part of the journey, the real work is happening in the relationships being formed; relationships that are h

At What’s Stirring Family Foundation, we believe every child deserves not just a seat in the room—but a moment to shine. During a recent literacy festival, one young participant eagerly anticipated her chance to take part in our Cooking Up Literacy demonstration—a hands-on experience combining reading, storytelling, and cooking. Although she was initially selected, only a limited number of participants could be chosen, and she did not have the opportunity to participate that

Across the country, school leaders are asking an important question: How do we strengthen literacy and improve student attendance while meaningfully engaging families and communities? Sometimes the answer begins in places we might not expect. I recently participated in the first “Meet Me at the Barbershop” gathering of the school year at Harrell's & Sons , and it was an encouraging and uplifting experience. Fathers, sons, educators, and concerned community members came toget