The building for kids will offer programming aimed at making meaningful change in the food culture of its community

This Project Grant award of $397,592 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America (CFDA 45.301) program will support the Building for Kids in Little Chute, WI in delivering programming aimed at improving the local food culture. The museum will host family cooking workshops and field trips to educate participants on sourcing, preparing, and consuming nutritious foods. A diverse advisory group will guide the project activities, and community stakeholders will inform the development of a food culture exhibit. The museum will also hire local university students to serve as research assistants and assist with program evaluation. As a result, program participants will gain a better understanding of their food choices and take pride in preparing healthy meals.

Museum staff will host family cooking workshops as well as field trips for children and their grown-UPS to develop knowledge and skills around sourcing, preparing, and consuming a variety of nutritionally valuable foods. A diverse advisory group will help guide project activities, while community stakeholders will inform the development of an exhibit about food culture. The museum will also hire local university students to serve as research assistants and assist in program evaluation. As a result, program participants will better understand how they view and engage with the food they eat and take pride in and ownership over their choices and preparation of healthy meals.