Cooking Up Literacy: Where Nutrition, Learning & Real-Life Skills Come Together

Next week, something meaningful begins in Metro-Atlanta, GA.

At the Boys & Girls Club, two groups of elementary students will step into the Fun Lab for the very first Cooking Up Literacy Cooking Club—where learning comes alive and extends far beyond the kitchen.

Thanks to the incredible partnership and generosity of United Bankshares, every child will receive their own copy of What’s Stirring: Fun, Food & Family or What’s Stirring: The Healthy Way.

With a book in hand and a team beside them, they’ll learn by doing—reading, measuring, experimenting, and creating.

By introducing both foundational and healthy cooking experiences, students will explore a variety of recipes that build confidence, nutrition awareness, and real-life skills.

Imagine students gathered around the table, flipping through their books, measuring ingredients, and cheering each other on as their recipes come to life. In these moments, learning becomes exciting, hands-on, and meaningful.

But this experience is about more than recipes.

It’s about preparing children for life.

As they cook together, students will:

• strengthen reading and comprehension skills

• apply math through measuring and portions

• explore science through food transformations

• build teamwork and confidence

  
  

And just as importantly, students will be introduced to financial literacy in simple, practical ways—connecting everyday cooking experiences to real-world decision-making, such as using ingredients wisely, planning ahead, and understanding the value of reducing waste.

This is financial literacy in action—simple lessons that grow into lifelong habits.

As the program unfolds, we look forward to exploring ways families can engage in their children’s learning and extend these experiences beyond the classroom.

We are especially grateful for the support of United Bankshares, whose investment is helping plant seeds of confidence, knowledge, and opportunity in our children and throughout our community.

Because when we invest in children, we nourish more than their bodies—we strengthen families, build confidence, and create lasting change.

Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing photos and highlights from the Fun Lab as our young chefs bring their learning to life!

We can’t wait to share what’s stirring.