More About Us

Hou Neaux Culinary Lab: Empowering Young Minds Through Culinary Arts

At Hou Neaux Culinary Lab, we are passionate about shaping the next generation of culinary innovators and entrepreneurs. Through a blend of hands-on culinary training, financial literacy, and business fundamentals, our program empowers youth, aged 5-18, to become leaders in the kitchen and their communities. We focus on nurturing creativity, teaching practical skills, and instilling essential life lessons that will last a lifetime.

Our Mission

Empower youth through culinary education, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, fostering leadership and community impact.

Our Vision

A future where young culinary leaders drive innovation and serve their communities with confidence and skill.

Each class is tailored to inspire creativity, develop critical thinking, and promote teamwork, preparing participants to become leaders in the culinary field and beyond. Join us to start cooking up your future today!
Yocharlakeeta “Keeta” Floyd
Executive Director and Vice President
PAKFISC | YCoCA

What we do

Program Overview

01.

man in white button up shirt holding white ceramic plate

Introduction to Culinary Arts

In this foundational module, The participants will explore the world of cooking, learning essential kitchen skills such as knife handling, cooking techniques, and food safety. Through fun and interactive lessons, kids will gain confidence in the kitchen and develop a passion for creating delicious, wholesome meals.

02.

macro shot of vegetable lot

Nutrition and Healthy Eating

Healthy eating is at the core of great culinary practice. In this part of the program, children will learn the importance of balanced nutrition, how to make healthier food choices, and how to create meals that are both tasty and nutritious. They'll leave with knowledge that promotes long-term healthy habits and mindful eating.

03.

green plant in clear glass cup

Financial Literacy

Understanding money is key to running a successful food business. This module introduces kids to the basics of financial literacy, teaching them how to budget, price meals, and understand simple costs. They’ll learn the value of money, how to manage it wisely, and apply these skills in real-world scenarios.

04.

pen near black lined paper and eyeglasses

Business Fundamentals

From idea to execution, children will learn how to think like entrepreneurs. In this section, they’ll explore the business side of food trucks, including marketing, customer service, and operations. By the end, they'll have the skills to turn their culinary ideas into thriving business ventures, all while having fun!

05.

brown game pieces on white surface

Community Engagement and Leadership

Being part of a successful venture means contributing to the community. In this module, children will develop leadership skills by participating in community engagement activities. They’ll learn how to work effectively in teams, give back to their communities, and take on leadership roles both in the kitchen and in the food truck.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Our program is designed for kids aged 5-18 who are interested in learning culinary arts and entrepreneurial skills.

No prior experience is required! Our program is beginner-friendly and designed to teach kids essential skills from the ground up.

Absolutely. Safety is a top priority. All children are supervised by experienced instructors, and we emphasize proper kitchen safety practices during every session.

The kids will prepare a variety of meals, focusing on nutritious, balanced dishes. They will also have the opportunity to create their own food truck-inspired recipes.

Yes! In addition to culinary skills, our program teaches kids about financial literacy, business fundamentals, and leadership, giving them a well-rounded entrepreneurial experience.