Teaching Kitchen

Individual Sign-Up Classes

Individual sign-up classes are open to all UVA students.

• Each class features step by step guidance in preparing a delicious, cost-effective, nutritious, easy-to-make meal and finishes with eating together.
• This is the class for you if you would like to cook with new people, learn a new recipe, and/or work on your general cooking skills and food knowledge. 

Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 5 - 6:30 p.m. and feature a new menu every week.

• Check out the Class Calendar to see what we’re cooking, when. Click on a class within the calendar to access the sign-up link and to view menu descriptions, which include information about dietary features and allergens. 
• New classes are posted and available for sign-up at the beginning of each month.

SIGN UP

Pre-registration is required for all of our classes.

• A $6 registration fee is requested to cover the cost of food and supplies. This fee is non-refundable and can be paid during the registration process. If finances are a concern, our Food Security Fund allows ALL to participate, regardless of ability to pay. 
• Classes are capped at 15 participants. You will receive either a confirmation or waitlist notice once you complete registration.
• Check out our Teaching Kitchen FAQs for more information.

 

Group Cooking Class

Group cooking classes can be arranged for any group of students to cook together!

• Eligible Student Groups include clubs/CIOs, teams, sororities/fraternities, etc. You can also request a class for a group of friends
• Cooking classes are a great way for Housing and Residence Life to offer programming that builds community and supports the personal growth of their residents. Read more here about how to request a program for your Residence Hall. 
• UVA-Sponsored Groups, including academic schools, UVA departments, class councils, etc., can sponsor a cooking class to support their students’ well-being and promote connection and belonging.

Group classes are scheduled by request. Available time-slots include:

• Mondays, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. 
• Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
• Occasionally other days/times by special arrangement.
• Requests must be received at least 2 weeks in advance of when you would like to host a class.
• Classes require a minimum of 8 participants and have a max capacity of 16. Please review our polices for group cooking classes before submitting your request.

Menu Selection 

• Cooking classes are taught by Teaching Kitchen student staff, dietetic interns, registered dietitians, professional chefs, and/or special guests. 
• Everything is provided in the Teaching Kitchen, and all experience levels are welcome.
• Choose from our curated selection of standard menu options, featuring a variety of cuisines, lifestyles, and culinary skills.
• Need a custom menu for your group or seeking curriculum development support? Email our team to discuss planning and pricing.

Cost (for standard menu options): 

• Student Groups and Housing and Residence Life: $6 per participant*. Payment is made through online link in registration form; individual participants can use credit/debit cards. Fees are non-refundable. 
• UVA-Sponsored Groups: $200 per class**. Payment can be made via Worktags. Once your class date is confirmed, you will receive an email with a link for a payment form. 

REQUEST A GROUP CLASS

*Please note, our Food Security Fund allows all participants to participate regardless of ability to pay.  **Fees are non-refundable. If your class must be cancelled due to low enrollment, any fees paid will be contributed to our Food Security Fund

Get Involved

The Teaching Kitchen is a great place to work!

Participating in at least 1 Hoo's Cooking Class is a pre-requisite for Teaching Kitchen Employment

Teaching Kitchen Assistants help keep cooking classes running smoothly, from prep to clean up.

• The position requires a time commitment of 3-9 hours per week for fall and/or spring semester(s).
• One to 3 weekday evening shifts are required weekly and occasional daytime shifts are available. Shifts last 3 hours and include a FREE meal.
• Apply via Handshake: https://virginia.joinhandshake.com/emp/jobs/782402 Finalists will be invited to a Zoom interview 

 

Teaching Kitchen Facilitators lead cooking classes, demonstrating culinary skills and guiding participants in cooking a meal.

• The position requires a commitment of teaching at least 2 cooking classes per month during the fall and/or spring semester(s).
• Classes are scheduled on weekday evenings weekly and occasionally weekday daytimes.
• APPLY via Handshake: https://virginia.joinhandshake.com/emp/jobs/7824024 Finalists will be invited to submit a video of themselves leading a cooking demo. 

 

Complete a practicum or internship as a Teaching Kitchen Assistant:

• Independent Study/Practicum/Internship experiences last 1 semester with option to repeat.
• 3-10 hours per week required, eligibility is determined by your academic department.
• Questions? Contact Melanie Brede, Teaching Kitchen Director.

 

Skills and Safety 

Check out these kitchen and food preparation skills and safety videos, part of our Hoo's Cooking series: 

• Cooking Rice
• How to Chop an Onion
• How to Cut a Pineapple
• Knife Skills and Safety
• Proper Food Storage
• Roasting Vegetables

"Whether you are a novice or an expert in the kitchen, Hoo’s Cooking classes deliver nutritious, yummy meals and tips to improve your culinary skills" - The Cavalier Daily