Chef with Community Collaboration

Thank you so much to Field Law for the amazing impact your generous donation had on Calgary kids! The funding we received from the Community Fund Program helped bring “Chef on NSTEP” to life in a big way for vulnerable children and youth in Calgary’s Greater Forest Lawn area. With support from Field Law, over 1,000 kids in just 10 months (starting in December 2024) rolled up their sleeves to chop, stir, taste, and learn together—at no cost to their families. Chef on NSTEP blends food preparation, nutrition education, food and financial literacy, and physical activity in a fun, hands-on way that builds confidence, employability skills, leadership, and time management, all while showing youth that healthy, budget-friendly food can be delicious and easy to prepare.

Field Law’s funding specifically supported Chef programs delivered in the Greater Forest Lawn area, where barriers like transportation, cost, and language can easily keep kids from accessing opportunities. NSTEP brought programming right into the neighborhoods and facilities youth already know making it easy and welcoming to participate. Youth not only gained practical kitchen and health skills; they also took this knowledge back home to educate their families. This ripple effect strengthens community connections and nurtures healthier habits.

From December 2024 through September 2025, NSTEP collaborated with these community associations/organizations to bring Chef on NSTEP to youth across Calgary:   Greater Forest Lawn Community, Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth, Salvation Army, Divercities, Youth Central, Children’s Cottage, St. Monica School, Trellis (Penbrooke Meadows, Genesis Centre and Bowness), YCC, YMAP, St Gemma School, Shaganappi Low Income Housing Complex, and Centre for Newcomers. 

The success of Chef on NSTEP has drawn more requests from other organizations such as The Dollar Detectives, SIYS (Struggle is your Success), and Rotary Stay in School.

Next steps... High School initiative, Healthy Habits-Youth Driven, completing an online course for other staff to learn how they can teach Chef on NSTEP.

What an impact for Calgary kids!  Thank you Field Law!