Community Kitchen with Classes

• Original Idea Voted on by New Yorkers: Create a food center that offers cooking classes for the community. The center would provide food and teach participants to make a meal from what they selected. Field trips to farms could be included.

• Implementing Organization: NIA Community Services Network

• Neighborhoods: Coney Island and Brighton Beach

• Funding Amount: $235,000

The responses below are directly from the community organizations selected to implement The People’s Money projects.

How does your organization plan to bring this idea to life?

NIA Community Services Network is interested in implementing the Community Kitchen with Classes project in partnership with The People’s Money because we believe the goals align with our mission of building strong children, strong families, and strong communities. Food insecurity is a challenge affecting many of the Coney Island residents and Carey Gardens Community Center participants we serve. Like the People’s Money, NIA strives to enhance the quality of life for Coney Island residents through education, wellness, and equitable access to fresh, healthy food, as well as training. While providing food and training to participants will be NIA’s responsibility, we also look forward to the opportunity to learn from and about our community members by creating a space where recipes, techniques, and traditions can be shared and celebrated.

What motivated your organization to apply to implement this idea?

NIA Community Services Network has a long-standing connection to the Coney Island neighborhood which continues to grow and strengthen with new and continued partnerships every year. Since NIA Community Services Network opened their program at the Carey Gardens Community Center in June 2024, they have organized food and resource giveaways monthly, distributing thousands of items to the Coney Island community. Together, these accomplishments reflect NIA’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact. We remain deeply invested in creating inclusive, enriching environments where youth and families thrive.

How do you think this project will make a difference in your community?

This project is important because it addresses food insecurity and provides equal access to the information, skills, and resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

List at least one thing you're excited about related to this project!

We are looking forward to creating a community of people who enjoy cooking, eating, and celebrating their cultures together in our shared space.

How can someone participate or stay up to date on the project?

Reach out to us through our contact form on our website.

Website: https://www.niabklyn.org/
Instagram: @niabklyn
Facebook: @niabklyn
LinkedIn: @niacommunityservicesnetwork