Grant allows Buckeye Central PTO to host Cooking Caravan 

The Buckeye Central Parent Teacher Organization hosted the Columbus-based Cooking Caravan, as they squared off in culinary competition with funding from North Central Electric’s People Fund. 

The Cooking Caravan is a mixture of chefs, actors, artists, educators, and musicians with a passion for teaching and inspiring children about cooking healthy foods. Four chefs from Buckeye Central helped the Caravan professionals in a battle to see who could make the tastiest, yet healthy, meal. 

“The People Fund is a great supporter of organizations in the area, and we are grateful they granted the Buckeye Central PTO this opportunity,” said Kerri Pope, PTO secretary. 

The PTO’s main purpose is to support the education of children at Buckeye Central, with an emphasis on providing programs that many students would not have the chance to experience otherwise.  

The students learned about fresh, healthy foods and how to make a healthy meal without using an oven, microwave, skillet, blender, or anything other than hand-held utensils. After the assembly, each teacher took a “Battle Box” full of healthy foods, spices, and oils back to their room to whip up their own recipe. 

“This was not only a hands-on educational program, but it was also a lot of fun for the kids and really sparked their imaginations. Without the support of the People Fund, this event would not have been possible,” Pope said.