The C.O.O.K Program

The BGC COOK Program, Culinary Options and Opportunities for Kids, offers teens aged 14 to 18 a unique opportunity to develop meaningful work, life, and leadership skills through comprehensive education and hands-on training. This innovative career and technical job-readiness program allows Club teens to gain practical experience in our state-of-the-art kitchen and on our BGC Lunch BOX food truck. Participants build valuable skills in culinary arts, restaurant management, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for successful futures.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside Culinary Arts Program is a holistic Career & Technical Education initiative. Our curriculum covers kitchen basics, safety and sanitation, purchasing and inventory control, and exceptional customer service.

Through this teen workforce development program, students can earn their food handler’s license, participate in paid internships, and acquire real-world experience that sets the foundation for their careers in the culinary industry. Join us and watch your culinary passions turn into professional skills.

Our Curriculum includes:

  • Basic food preparation
  • Purchasing
  • Inventory control
  • Introduction to culinary nutrition
  • Culinary fundamentals
  • Sanitation
  • Introduction to baking
  • Workplace safety
  • Introduction to food cost and control
  • Introduction to menu writing
  • Kitchen & Knife Safety
  • Food Hazards
  • Personal Hygiene
  • Time and Temperature Control
  • Proper Food Storage
  • Food Allergies
  • Work Place Safety
  • Food Handler’s Certification

The USDA and the CDE are equal opportunity providers and employers.

Become a Sponsor

We are thrilled to announce the grand unveiling of our new and innovative food truck, “The Lunch Box.” This groundbreaking initiative is designed to provide free, healthy, homemade meals to youth in North County.

“The Lunch Box” is more than just a meal service. It collaborates with our Teen Workforce Development Program, C.O.O.K., offering teens valuable hands-on experience in culinary arts and restaurant management.

By supporting “The Lunch Box,” you’re not just helping BGCO youth and Club members—you’re uplifting an entire community. Your generous support will ensure that no child goes hungry and that our teens gain the skills they need for a brighter future.

We invite you to become an inaugural sponsor and make a lasting impact on the children and teens in our community. Together, we can nourish bodies, inspire minds, and shape futures. Join us in this vital mission and be a part of something truly transformative.

The Lunch Box Partnership:

Your sponsorship goes beyond providing essential funds for our workforce development program. As a sponsor, you’ll also receive two years of advertising space on our food truck, The Lunch Box. Additionally, you’ll benefit from various marketing and promotional opportunities based on your level of sponsorship.

Join us in making a difference and promoting your business in a unique and impactful way.

For detailed information on sponsorship opportunities and the benefits of partnership for your business, please contact:

CStrahler@bgcGreaterTogether.org or call 760.433.8920 ext 908