Community Cares at the Breakfast Table

The energy at Vegas Verdes ES was electric as Chefs for Kids brought Cookin’ Up Breakfast back for another unforgettable morning. Students walked into school buzzing with excitement, eager to see what was on the menu and which chefs would be serving up breakfast this time around. Adding to the excitement, Channel 13 was on-site helping spotlight the impact of the program as part of its Quarter 2 “13 Connects” partnership with Chefs for Kids. Together, the partnership has helped collect healthy canned goods for families across Southern Nevada, but this special morning was all about showcasing the heart of what Chefs for Kids does inside local schools every day.

Taking center stage is Cookin’ Up Breakfast, where local chefs transform a regular school morning into an experience students will never forget. Chefs from MGM Grand, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, and Excalibur Hotel & Casino rolled up their sleeves to prepare a delicious and nutritious breakfast that looked just as exciting as it tasted. The menu featured a Breakfast Slider with turkey sausage, cheddar cheese, and a brioche bun; a fresh Fruit Cup with honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple, watermelon, and blueberries; a Whole Wheat Waffle on a Stick with maple syrup and powdered sugar; Crispy Hashbrown Coins; and a Cherry Berry Oatmeal Bite for a healthy sweet treat.

More than just a meal, Cookin’ Up Breakfast gives students a hands-on example of what healthy eating can look like. It reinforces the nutrition lessons students learn in the classroom while introducing them to fresh foods and balanced meals in a fun, engaging way.

One especially memorable moment came when a lucky student got to share breakfast with her dad, and chat with reporter, Shakeria Hawkins. Speaking about the importance of the program, he shared, “It’s important that she eats a healthy breakfast so she can be strong and healthy.”

Teachers also see firsthand how the program connects to classroom learning. One third-grade teacher, whose students participate in Nutrition Education lessons with Chefs for Kids, explained, “We took a class with Ms. Baptista where we learned about food groups, and so to see the food groups implemented in a healthy breakfast is important.”

That connection between education and experience is exactly what makes Cookin’ Up Breakfast so impactful. Students aren’t just hearing about healthy habits — they’re tasting them, experiencing them, and building positive relationships with nutritious foods that can last a lifetime.

We are incredibly grateful to our chefs, school partners, volunteers, and Channel 13 for helping us continue to bring meaningful experiences like this to local students. Their support helps ensure children across Southern Nevada have access to nutritious meals and nutrition education that fuels success both inside and outside the classroom.

You can learn more about our programs and watch the full Channel 13 story on their website.

Feeling inspired? You can help us continue bringing healthy meals, nutrition education, and unforgettable experiences to students across Southern Nevada. Every donation makes a difference and helps us reach even more children in need. Donate today.