Our mission is to get kids excited about food that’s good for both people and the planet. We do this by teaching affordable and fun plant-focused cooking and increasing access to healthy foods in schools and communities. 

Since 2015, our founder Sarah Wharton has been teaching kids how to cook. Her programs fight against existing inequalities in the food system, challenge ideas about kids and pickiness, and empower children as agents of change. In 2022, we started Little Chefs, Big Change to further develop this work and expand its reach across Tennessee and beyond. 

  • Sign Up.

    Partner with Little Chefs, Big Change and transform your community's relationship with healthy eating. We offer on-site and virtual cooking classes that are engaging, informative, and above all, fun! Enroll now for summer and fall sessions in Knoxville, TN, and surrounding areas.

  • Teach.

    Are you passionate about plant-based cooking, healthy eating, and inspiring young minds? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of kids and families? If so, click below to learn more about becoming a cooking instructor for Little Chefs, Big Change!

  • Volunteer.

    We're looking for volunteers to help us bring cooking classes to schools in Knoxville, TN! Whether you're local or remote, we have exciting opportunities available for you to help kids discover the joy of cooking and develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

Little Chefs, Big Change was featured in the Knox County Schools blog called Hall Pass! It has been an absolute pleasure to partner with Pond Gap Elementary School and University Assisted Community Schools to bring our healthy cooking classes to their students.

Thank you to our grantors for their generous support. Their contributions fuel our efforts to give kids and families the cooking skills and resources they need to confidently adopt healthy eating habitsTogether, we are making a difference in East Tennessee.