Butter Beans | seasonal school meals + fun cooking classes

our food standards

We believe that our students and school staff should not only eat healthy food, but also eat responsibly raised food. That is why we set standards for the food that we buy. Click here to learn why you should feel good about the food you eat at lunch time.

our blog

Come join our thriving blog community! We provide our readers with approachable, and creative seasonal recipes, family dinner guides, food quote inspirations, cooking class reflections and much more! Subscribe at www.butterbeanskitchen.wordpress.com to join in on the...

stellar sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are pretty spectacular! They are high in beta-carotene and vitamin A, powerful natural antioxidants. Vitamin A is necessary for maintaining a healthy immune system. The potassium in sweet potatoes also helps keep our nerve functions and heart healthy. Additionally, when sweet vegetables like these are added to our diet they reduce our cravings for sweets...

summer camp

Butter Beans Food & Garden Summer Camp is a fantastic summer experience that connects children to their local food chain through visits to urban gardens, rooftop farms, farm-to-table restaurant, and farmers markets. Our campers engage with and learn from farmers, composters, local chocolate, pickle, jam makers and bee keepers, they buy local food, make a...

cooking classes

Kids love to cook, and learning how is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Butter Beans teaches after-school cooking classes with seasonal, fun recipes that the whole family can enjoy. Students will learn how different foods affect our bodies, and how to put together a balanced plate. Menus include lunchtime favorites like spring ravioli and taco salad, with a focus on the...

about us

mission

Our mission is to provide healthy food for bodies and minds through our tasty, nutrient-rich lunches, and fact filled wellness initiatives, that address the alarming health statistics of children today. We offer school-wide lunch programs for schools who want to offer hot lunch to their entire student body, and wellness education programs in and outside of the classroom. Even if you do not have an on-site kitchen or cafeteria, we can tailor make a program that works for you.

history

Butter Beans is the brainchild of local mothers who understand the challenge busy parents face in providing their children homemade, delicious, healthy meals to send to school everyday.

Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development; therefore, the quality of the food they eat must be fresh and nutrient dense. What young children eat determines the strength of their immune system for years to come.

We use the most local, organic, seasonal food possible, and find ways to add nutrition to every bite. Our meals are full of whole grains, legumes, veggies, healthy fats, and naturally raised meat, and poultry. Additionally, our meals are balanced with raw, cooked, crunchy, and smooth food, full of color to inspire.

testimonials

“I’m so excited about not having to prepare any lunches anymore. You guys rock!” - a Butter Beans parent

“I love cooking class! I love grating and chopping and mixing. I love tasting all the ingredients and learning where they come from and making things for my family at home.” - Sam, a cooking class student

“The Butter Beans program at our school has been a huge benefit for me. I would say it kept me from getting sick. I get to socialize a bit with my students and colleagues all while eating tons of fresh and delicious vegetables prepared with my well-being in mind. It’s a gift really, a demonstration of how the school wants us to have healthy, contented lives.” - a teacher at Poly Prep Country Day School

“Everyone greets me with a smile, so I definitely feel welcomed in the school. It feels good when I hand out samples and receive feedback from the kids, good or bad. They’re being exposed to new and different foods and it’s satisfying to be apart of that.” - a Butter Beans Food Service Supervisor

recipes for kids

Cooking with your children is an experience that connects, and fosters delicious family memories. We have compiled a list of recipes we have written, and some that have been adapted from various cooks in our culinary community.

Not sure what to cook for dinner tonight, or looking for some lunch tips or breakfast encouragement?

Check out our recipe library for some cooking inspiration

and don’t forget to sign up for our blog by clicking here!

birthday party menu

You’re celebrating!

Whether you are having an intimate party at home, a birthday in a party space, or celebrating a special occasion in the park, Butter Beans takes care of the food and celebration cupcakes that make your party planning easy and fun. We can even take care of your goody bags!

Sample goody-bag makings:

A summer smoothie recipe – tested in our after school cooking classes, an organic lollipop, yummy organic animal crackers, a special lucky colored stone – perfect for a pocket, and a donation in honor of your friendship to the NYC Beekeepers Association. Bees are instrumental to our food chain as pollinators on our farms and gardens, making our wonderful food possible. Help spread the sweet word and support the honey makers at your next party.

Download our party brochure with menu offerings here.