It Takes a Village: How My Journey with A3 Power Foundation Inspired Culinary Education for Foster Youth

The expression "It takes a village to raise a child" has guided me throughout my life. In an increasingly isolating world, the relationships we build are vital. I’ve come to realize that my identity is deeply intertwined with my community. This sense of unity drives my passion for helping youth in foster care through culinary education.

My journey led me to create A3 Power Foundation and in partnership with the Durant Children Center, where I launched "Whisking Wisdom"mentorship-based culinary classes for foster youth. Our programs—Whisking Wisdom, Blessed Meals On Wheels, and the upcoming "Sumter Sprouts" mobile grocery and nutrition education bus—are designed to provide essential cooking skills and instill a sense of belonging and purpose among participants.

A delicious plate of homemade pasta artfully crafted by young chefs, topped with grated cheese, fresh greens, and served with a slice of crispy garlic bread.

Whisking Wisdom: Culinary Mentorship for Youth

Whisking Wisdom is our inaugural culinary program focused on mentorship. In this initiative, youth in foster care partner with A3 Power Foundation. The goal is to teach essential cooking techniques along with life skills that extend beyond the kitchen.

Our classes provide a fun and safe environment for self-expression. For example, students learn everything from basic knife skills to preparing popular dishes like stir-fry or pasta—skills that can easily translate to every household. When I see the pride on their faces after completing a dish, I recognize firsthand how impactful culinary education can be.

We also encourage creativity, inviting students to share their culinary preferences and even to create their own dishes. This empowerment reinforces their capabilities, showing them that greatness is within reach—food is just one avenue for them to express it.

Blessed Meals On Wheels: Nourishing the Community

As we developed Whisking Wisdom, we identified another urgent need in our community: access to nutritious meals. Many youth in foster care experience food insecurity, often relying on limited resources. To address this, we started Blessed Meals On Wheels, a program dedicated to providing healthy meals to those in need.

Our team, which includes culinary professionals and community volunteers, comes together to prepare and deliver meals. The satisfaction of cooking for others is truly rewarding, especially when we witness the smiles of recipients enjoying a hearty meal.

This initiative illustrates how food can nourish not just the body, but also the spirit. It reinforces our ongoing commitment to serving the community while reminding us that kindness can be as simple as a meal.

Participants can learn about the importance of a balanced diet.

Sumter Sprouts: The Future of Nutrition Education

We are thrilled to introduce our latest initiative, Sumter Sprouts coming in Spring 2026! -a mobile grocery bus that doubles as a nutrition education center. This project aims to meet individuals where they are, providing fresh produce and healthy food options to communities that may lack access to grocery stores.

The mobile bus will not only distribute food but also host classes on nutrition and healthy eating. For instance, participants can learn the importance of a balanced diet and how to prepare affordable, nutritious meals at home. Teaching individuals about healthier choices can enhance their long-term well-being and empower them to influence their families positively.

"Sumter Sprouts" embodies our belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, regardless of their circumstances. This project holds the potential to inspire real change in our community, and I can’t wait to see its impact.

Are you a local farmer, chef, or nutritionist and want to partner and volunteer with us? Please send us an email at aletha@a3powerfoundation.org.

Mofongo with Shrimp: A traditional Puerto Rican dish rooted in African heritage and stories of our ancestors.

Call to Action: Share Your Culinary Stories

While I share my journey, I also invite you to share yours. We are calling on storytellers with a passion for food and community to contribute to our "Flavors of Sumter: A Griots Culinary Journey."

What is a Griot?

A griot is a person or group of person who are essentially the living memory of their communities, ensuring that stories, historical events, and family lineages are passed down through generations. They use a variety of forms, including music, poetry, and storytelling, and food to entertain and educate their audience. 

Who should submit their story and recipe?

Do you have a family recipe and story rooted in your culture? Must be authentic to your culture.

Are you available for an in-person interview, the interview will include a photo shoot of you in your kitchen or on your land and telling your story?

Would you be able to attend the launch of our project at our first annual event in November, 2025?

Every dish tells a story, and each recipe holds a memory. Whether it is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations or a dish that signifies a pivotal moment in your life, we want to hear about it. Your culinary tales will not only enrich our project but also provide aspiring chefs with inspiration and a connection to their heritage.

Sharing recipes can foster understanding within our community, spark conversations, and encourage mentorship. By contributing to our project, you can help create a narrative that highlights the essence of our community.

To be apart of this project please email us at linnet.caban@a3powerfoundation.org

The Importance of Encouragement and Support

Through my journey, I’ve learned how crucial encouragement and support are. Working with youth in foster care reveals their deep desire for affirmation and belief in their potential.

When these young individuals receive praise and support, they start to see themselves as capable of achieving great things. It’s essential to cultivate an environment where they can flourish. Hope is a vital ingredient in any recipe for success.

I am grateful to those who have provided mentorship, support, and resources to help our initiatives thrive. It truly takes a village to uplift others, and being part of this community has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

Become a volunteer at www.a3powerfoundation.org