Cultural Kitchen

Throughout history and around the globe, people have gathered around a meal to meet, to plan, to settle disputes, to make friendships and to build community. In that spirit of understanding, Hostelling International USA, Eastern New England Council (ENEC) has established the Cultural Kitchen program.



Cultural Kitchen is a 10-session program in which youth gain a greater understanding and appreciation for culture through hands-on activities, exploration of world cultures, group discussions and cooking. Cultural Kitchen is an educational program designed for middle school and high school youth to discover and appreciate the diverse cultures in their own communities as well as countries abroad.

Students put together an informational and interactive presentation on their own culture or a country they choose to study, which includes guiding each other through the preparation of a traditional meal.

The final culmination of each session takes place at the Boston Hostel. Students put their new skills into practice as they share what they have learned in Cultural Kitchen and prepare a feast for their family, friends, teachers and International guests of the Boston Hostel.



Through participation in Cultural Kitchen, Boston-area youth have the opportunity to become more open-minded, worldly citizens who not only have respect for, but feel confident working with, learning from, and resolving conflicts among the different people and cultures they encounter. Participants also gain a greater understanding of their own countries and cultures.

• Attend a Cultural Café dinner
• Make a tax deductible donation to Cultural Kitchen
• Donate new and gently used cooking supplies
• Spread awareness: Join our Cultural Kitchen cause on Facebook
• Become a Cultural Kitchen Volunteer!

Schools and Community Centers:

• Charlestown High School
• Montessori Middle School at Braintree
• Boston Collegiate Charter School
• Boston International High School
• Boston Renaissance Charter School
• Harbor Point Housing Complex
• Dorchester Youth Alternative Academy
• Citizen Schools at the Umana Barnes Academy
• Dearborn Middle School
• Fenway High School
• Codman Academy Charter School
• Citizen Schools at the Salemwood Middle School
• Citizen Schools at the John W. McCormack School
• Citizen Schools at the Patrick F. Gavin Middle School
• John F. Kennedy School
• Winter Hill Community School
• Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School
• West Somerville Neighborhood School
• East Somerville Community School
• Urban Scholars Program, UMASS Boston
• Tenacity Program
• Mildred Ave Community Center
• Orchard Gardens Housing Authority
• Tobin Community Center
• Shelburne Community Center
• Edward Devotion School
• William H. Lincoln School
• Mission Hill School
• Arthur D. Healey School

Volunteer:



Cultural Kitchen volunteers assist the Cultural Kitchen Coordinator in programs throughout the Boston area. Volunteers with at least one semester of CK experience may have the opportunity to lead a CK class of their own. Classes generally run two hours, once per week for ten weeks. Please contact the CK Coordinator for upcoming CK trainings, session start dates, and other volunteer opportunities, including internships. Paula Levitt, Cultural Kitchen Coordinator.

Donate new and gently used cooking supplies:

• Cutting boards*
• Large chopping knives*
• Large pans*
• Baking pans/casserole dishes*
• Vegetable peelers*
• Measuring cups*
• Measuring spoons*
• Large pots
• Baking sheets
• Mixing bowls
• Spatulas
• Mixing spoons
• Whisks
• Can openers
• Strainers
• Serving platters
• Electric mixer
• Blender/food processor
• Timer

*These are our priority needs items.

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