Urban Oak Initiative

The Urban Oak Initiative is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to helping teach underserved youth the benefits of plant-based diets. Our vision is a world of healthy, vibrant, and diverse communities built around the holistic duality of nutritious food and a healthy lifestyle. The mission of the Urban Oak Initiative is to educate youth and their families on the benefits of plant-based nutrition and living an active and healthy lifestyle.

We are dedicated to finding solutions to provide access to fresh and organic foods to metro-Atlanta's food desserts, while also providing a culinary and entrepreneurial education curriculum to underserved youth.

Our programs are designed to address many of the issues our communities face today around food security, nutrition and socio-economic opportunity.  We believe in a generationally sensitive approach to youth programming and the need to meet youth where they are in life. The Urban Oak Initiative operates three programs targeted at youth ages 12-18. All of these programs approach education on food and nutrition in a very fun and engaging way. They offer a non-judgmental approach allowing for open discussion of the problems, needs and issues around obesity and chronic illness.

1. Kids Can Cook - Culinary and Life Skills Program: Bringing hands-on, plant-based, action-packed culinary skills to students. This program makes healthy eating a fun, accessible option by giving kids the knowledge and skills to whip up healthy (and delicious!) creations.
2. Learn Grow Launch - Entrepreneural and Financial Education: Students who want to advance their knowledge of business in the culinary arts have the opportunity to be mentored by local entrepreneurs in their community.  This program teaches students basic entrepreneurial principles and exposes them to opportunities in the hospitality and agricultural industries. 
3. Plant Life - Plant-Based Education Seminars: This program offers live presentations by professionals on healthy plant-based cooking and nutrition along with tips, recipes, and resources.