Kids cooking together

Family-Friendly Recipes

The YMCA is committed to helping families live healthy lifestyles at home. Get inspired with simple recipes that kids will love to help you make and eat.

Healthy Recipes

​​​​​​​Ys feed thousands of children year-round, and our staff always look for ways to make snack and mealtime interesting! We've rounded up our favorite kid-friendly recipes submitted by national partners and Ys across the country.

A Healthy Routine Begins in the Kitchen

Planning nutritious meals ahead of time can help support healthy habits. Encourage kids to try new foods by getting them involved in the cooking and preparation process.

Matt's Kitchen

Everyone is invited to Matt's Kitchen — for a cooking series developed for the Y that uses everyday ingredients to prepare delicious, healthy meals.

Matt Ulery is a Chicago-based cook with a passion for healthy eating and creative home cookery. When the pandemic forced many people to stay at home in 2020, Ulery focused his artistic attention to developing recipes that explain interesting techniques while using mostly pantry items.

Get excited to cook up something new!

How Ys Support Healthy Eating

We know not all children have access to healthy meals outside of school. Learn more about how we help provide nutritious meals and snacks so kids can reach their full potential.

  • Afterschool Meal Program

    Millions of children and teens lack access to healthy, affordable food at the end of their school day. The YMCA ensures that kids are nourished every...

  • Summer Food Program

    The Y feeds kids all year long, but the needs increase during the summer when school is out.