This Yonkers chef is all about baking self confidence into teen cooking classes
Updated: Oct 1
FEATURED IN THE JOURNAL NEWS / LOHUD
By Jeanne Muchnick • July 15, 2025
The Journal News/lohud profiled Melanie Underwood and Gather to Give, her teen culinary philanthropy program combining practical cooking skills, connection, community service and support for organizations addressing hunger and food insecurity.
Food as joy—and a tool for change
“I created Gather to Give because I believe food is both a source of joy and a tool for change.”
Giving back is part of the learning
Participants cook together, help choose causes to support and earn community-service hours while building real culinary and life skills. The program was designed to give teens a tangible way to see that their work can matter beyond the kitchen.
Connection is part of the curriculum
“They don't see how helping others is helping yourself.”
“I'd love a sponsor who could offer a space.”
Confidence is the deeper goal
“A big part of what I do is teaching people to connect.”
“I have a very confident personality that I believe comes from the very strong family structure I had growing up.”
“And I want to give kids that space to feel that confidence, even if it's for one hour.”
The feature captures the philosophy beneath the program: culinary education can build independence, purpose, confidence and community—not simply teach recipes.
THE JOURNAL NEWS / LOHUD • LOCAL FEATURE • Teens, culinary education, philanthropy and confidence
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