As these kids get hands-on with food, they’re also learning about climate change [Video]

Jaela Villalobos originally signed onto the after-school cooking class she’s currently taking to spend time with a friend, but the 10-year-old says the experience has been enriching and eye-opening. 

“Whatever we eat can also affect the planet,” said the Vancouver student, who’s enrolled in an eight-week workshop with EcoCooks in Vancouver. “I had no idea that agriculture could actually release greenhouse gasses, so that was surprising.”

The meals she and the other preteen participants cook are all plant-based. She hadn’t really tried plant-based dishes much before, but has become a fan, especially after making yummy breakfast burritos, lentil-filled tacos and a colourful veggie-and-tofu stir-fry.

“It tastes delicious,” said Villalobos, who has occasionally brought what she’s learned, both food and information, home to family and friends.

Taking hands-on lessons about food — cooked or grown by students themselves — and mixing in environmental education, has been a recipe for success for …