Kitchen Compass

Charting the Path to Independence Through Food and Skill-Building

Kitchen Compass supports young adults as they transition from foster care to independent living.

We are helping young adults:

Build practical cooking skills
Access fresh food
Develop lifelong habits for health and self-sufficiency

What is Kitchen Compass?

Kitchen Compass is a six-month, hands-on cooking and nutrition education program for young adults transitioning out of foster care at The Hope Center at Pullen.

We blend practical skill-building with progressive food access support to meet clients where they are and help them build confidence in the kitchen.

Why It Matters

Young adults aging out of foster care face significant challenges accessing affordable, healthy food. Many experience food insecurity, and have limited experience preparing meals, navigating food assistance programs, and budgeting for groceries.

By strengthening skills and reducing barriers, we’re helping them build habits that support long-term health and independence.

Program Components

Titled Kitchen Skills with a bulleted list below as follows: Safely handle & store food, Understand recipes, Hone knife skills, Make recipe substitutions, Incorporate fresh ingredients into pantry meals. Below the text are three icons: a cookbook, ch

Titled Beyond Cooking with a bulleted list below as follows: Shop on a budget, Meal plan, Apply for food assistance, Utilize Double Bucks*, Include kids in the kitchen. Below the text are three icons: a shopping cart, a pencil writing on paper, and a

Titled Food Access with a bulleted list below as follows: Month 1 and 2, ready-to-heat healthy meals; Month 3, produce box; Months 4, 5, 6, Instacart health stipend. Below the text are three icons: a bowl with steam rising from it, a basket with vege

Titled Kitchen Kit and Prizes with a bulleted list below as follows: Receive a kitchen starter kit with essential tools, Have the opportunity to win kitchen appliances throughout the program. Below the text are three icons: measuring spoons, mixing b

*Learn more about Double Bucks

*Learn more about Instacart stipends

Learn More & Support Us

Our Partners

The Hope Center at Pullen is Wake County’s only organization dedicated exclusively to supporting young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. The Hope Center empowers emerging adults with the support and connections needed for a safe and stable adulthood.

Kitchen Compass will be offered to their clients living in residence.

Burkett Farm aims to show and share solutions for a more resilient food system through experimentation, education, and community partnerships.

Kait, Burkett Farm’s Program Director, will assist with Kitchen Compass’ design and programming, and Burkett Farm will provide fresh produce boxes to clients.

Equiti Foods is a small business making healthy, frozen meals called Good Bowls. These meals are based on the Med-South diet and made with locally sourced ingredients.

Equiti Foods works closely with FEC and will supply the meals provided to clients during Kitchen Compass.