New Kitchen Supply Carts Enable Librarians to Expand Nutrition Education Programs
Librarians Now Can Plan and Lead Cooking Classes
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – This spring, visiting the Corpus Christi Public Libraries might include the sounds of an induction stove or a blender alongside the usual librarian-led activities.
For National Nutrition Month, the library system has introduced three custom kitchen supply carts, a specialized culinary station, and a hygiene cart, all funded by the Friends of Corpus Christi Public Libraries. These mobile units allow librarians with cooking experience to develop and manage their own nutrition programs, broadening their roles as modern librarians.
“These carts carry the supplies that we can use to transform our meeting rooms into teaching kitchens,” said Library Director Laura Garcia. "Having these custom supplies available, our staff now has the creative freedom to design their own curriculum to teach essential life skills.”
Launched in Spring 2023 through partnerships with the Coastal Bend Food Bank and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Teen Cooking Classes have gained popularity, drawing a demographic that is often harder to reach.
The new, lightweight carts allow all six library branches to run more engaging, hands-on workshops, ensuring children, teens, and adults across the city have access to high-quality nutrition education.
The mobile carts include:
• Three Standard Kitchen Carts: Designed to accommodate up to 15 participants working together to make a recipe. They include an induction stove, a convection oven, safety knives, and all necessary prep tools such as whisks, cutting boards, colanders, and measuring cups.
• Specialty Cart: Designed for advanced workshops, including pancake art, ice cream socials, and professional-grade baking and decorating.
• Hygiene Station: A dedicated cart featuring a portable sink and water jugs, stationed at the Ben F. McDonald Public Library to support quick cleanup.
These new supply carts have already been utilized. Earlier this month, teens took part in Manga Mania’s Bobalicious 2026 at the Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Public Library to learn how to make boba tea and mochi donuts.
The upcoming librarian-led Teen Cooking classes will be held:
Monday, April 20
Healthy Snacks from Around the World (National Chickpea Day – Make a healthy Indian snack)
Teen Cooking Class (ages 10-17)
4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Janet F. Harte Public Library, Meeting Room, 2629 Waldron Road
Registration will open on Monday, March 23, at 4:15 p.m. Call (361) 826-2310 or visit https://cctexas.libcal.com/event/16524261 to register.
Saturday, May 16
Healthy Snacks from Around the World (Make a gluten-free, nutritious Indian chilla crepe and dipping sauces)
Teen Cooking Class (ages 10-17)
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Janet F. Harte Public Library, Meeting Room, 2629 Waldron Road
Registration will open on Saturday, April 18, at 12:00 p.m. Call (361) 826-2310 to register.
Media representatives requesting additional information may contact Cassandra Hinojosa, Public Information Officer, at 361-826-2944 or CassandraH3@CorpusChristiTX.gov.