About Us

Brainfood is a non-profit youth development organization in Washington, DC. Using food as a tool, Brainfood builds life skills and promotes healthy living in a fun and safe environment. Local high school students participate in our programs either twice a week after school or every day for six weeks during the summer.

Activities include hands-on cooking classes, lectures, field trips and community service projects. Brainfood graduates are equipped with practical cooking skills, an introduction to the food industry, a framework for nutritious eating, and leadership experience that prepares them to make a difference in their community.

What programs does Brainfood offer?

Brainfood After School is a year-long program (September - May). Participants attend classes 2 days/week (Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday) from 4:00pm - 6:30pm.

Brainfood Summer Institute is a six-week summer program.  Participants attend classes 5 days/week (Monday - Friday) from 9:00am - 1:00pm.

Where does Brainfood happen?

Brainfood has two sites: one in Columbia Heights and one in Chinatown.

• Brainfood- Columbia Heights

1525 Newton St. NW
Washington, DC 20010

• Brainfood-Chinatown

755 8th St. NW
Washington, DC 20001

Who are Brainfood participants?

Brainfood is a program for high school students who live or go to school in the District of Columbia.  Currently, Brainfood has enrolled participants from all 8 Wards in DC.

How do high school students join the program?

Before the start of the After School and Summer Institute programs, Brainfood staff visit DC high schools and community events to recruit students.  Students must fill out an application and attend a mandatory orientation before they are placed in a Brainfood program.  If you are a high school student who is interested in joining Brainfood OR if you are interested in having Brainfood staff recruit students at your high school, please contact Amy Brady at (202) 615 9250.

Do all Brainfood participants go on to work in the culinary industry?

No.  Though some participants are interested in culinary careers, the majority of Brainfood participants join Brainfood to learn cooking skills, meet new people, and have fun after school.