CULINARY CHOICE
Calling all DC teens with a passion for cooking and a love for creating delicious, healthy meals!
Washington D.C. Teens with a passion for Cooking
Cohort 2 Requirements (MedStar Choice Teens Only):
This program is exclusively for MedStar Family Choice District of Columbia enrollees. Participants must be between the ages of 14 and 17 and have a genuine passion for cooking and an interest in culinary and nutrition sciences. Students must also be residents of the District of Columbia. A commitment to completing the program and participating fully in all sessions is required.
Cohort 3 Requirements:
This program is open to all insurance carriers, but it is free for MedStar Family Choice District of Columbia enrollees. Participants must be residents of the District of Columbia and between the ages of 14 and 17. A strong interest in culinary arts and nutrition sciences is essential. Students must also commit to completing the program and actively participating in all sessions. Cohort 3 builds on the skills learned in previous cohorts, so prior participation in Cohort 2 is highly recommended.
The Process
02.
Record and upload a 3-minute video:
- introduce yourself
- share your favorite recipe and why you love it
- explain in what ways healthy eating impacts your daily life
03.
We want to get to know you so be creative!
You have only one chance to make a first impression!
The Selection Process
- A panel will review and assess all applicants’ suitability for the program.
- Selected applicants will be sent an email invitation to meet with panel. During the meeting, you will be given a 15-minute window to impress the panel and convince the members that you belong in the program. You got this!
- Teens selected to participate will be sent an acceptance letter with instructions on the next steps.
F.A.Q.s
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Culinary Choice Program by Food Jonezi Friendz?
The Culinary Choice by Food Jonezi Friendz is a training program that educates youths of the District
of Columbia (DC) on the basics of cooking, food science, agricultural practices, and nutrition.
The program offers a complete curriculum aimed at setting the youths on a path that will lead to
enrollment in culinary and nutrition programs at higher education institutions or to achieve their
SafeServ certification for entry-level positions in the food and nutrition industry.
What does the program entail?
Culinary Choice is organized into four cohort groups comprising a total of 16 members. Each cohort
group runs for six weeks with interactive food and nutrition lessons and cooking activities.
Each participant receives a chef kit that includes a knife set, utensils, measuring cups and spoons, a
chef jacket and hat. Participants also receive program curricula that include recipes and notes.
Who are the instructors?
The program instructors include Food Jonezi Friendz chefs, dietitians, food and agriculture experts.
Do I have to be a Medstar Family Choice DC participant?
Although we encourage all Medstar Family Choice DC members to apply, the program is open to all
youths of DC who meet the basic requirements.
Where will the program be held and how often will we meet?
The program will be held at Medstar Family Choice DC Wellness Center, located at 3924 Minnesota
Avenue, NE (across from McDonald’s), Washington, DC 20019. Classes are held every Thursday
from 4:00–6:00 pm.
What happens after the program ends?
Each participant will have the chance to sit for the ServSafe test to be certified to handle and serve
food safely. Upon receiving the ServSafe certification, participants will work alongside Food Jonezi
chefs at community and catering events over a period of four weeks and will receive a stipend while
gaining work experience to enhance their resumé.
How to apply?
You can apply online by filling out the application.
Who should I contact for further information?
DC youths interested in participating in the Culinary Choice program, email info@foodjonezi.com or
call 202-800-5351 or visit www.foodjonezifriendz.org or Medstar Family Choice DC at 1-888-404-
3549.