Cookin’ Up Smiles at Manuel Cortez ES

The Chefs for Kids Cookin’ Up Breakfast program recently served up more than just a delicious morning meal at Manuel Cortez Elementary School — it delivered nourishment, community and a powerful reminder of why this program matters.

This special breakfast was cooked with heart by the fabulous culinary team from Boyd Gaming properties, who treated students and staff to a comforting, kid-approved menu. Plates were filled with egg and sausage breakfast sandwiches topped with American cheese, crispy hash browns, fruit cups, and a sweet finish with a mini blueberry muffin.

To round out the morning, Jamba Juice was on-site blending up their refreshing smoothies, while Anderson Dairy generously donated milk to complete the meal. It truly took a village to make this breakfast one to remember.

While we often talk about feeding kids, moments like this remind us that supporting teachers and school staff is just as important. One teacher’s aide was genuinely surprised to learn she was included in the breakfast, sharing that she remembered Chefs for Kids visiting her school when she was a student herself. Because teachers typically eat before students arrive, she had no idea that staff also get to enjoy the meal.

Our board member and steadfast volunteer Mike Mall quickly stepped in with a smile and an enthusiastic reminder: “Eat up — this is for you too!” It was a small moment that spoke volumes about appreciation, inclusion and community.

We were also excited to welcome a new culinary partner, the team from Hash House A Go-Go, who stopped by to see the program in action as they prepare to cook up one of our February breakfasts. We can’t wait to have them officially join the Chefs for Kids family!

Get Involved

Programs like Cookin’ Up Breakfast are only possible because of generous partners, donors and volunteers who believe every child — and educator — deserves a great start to the day.

👉 Support the program by making a donation, or

👉 Sign up as a culinary sponsor and cook up a breakfast for these amazing kiddos and their school communities.

Together, we can keep feeding bellies, fueling minds and cooking up brighter mornings — one school at a time.