Our Mission

 At Little Sprouts Kitchen, we’re all about helping kids build lifelong skills and healthy habits through accessible cooking and sustainable living skills!

Our cooking enrichment programs teach kids how to enjoy healthy food in a way that feels fun and empowering. We focus on the whole child, creating a warm, inclusive space where kids feel safe, supported, and connected, no matter their level of ability.

We also care about supporting families and communities. Whether it’s kids, parents, or schools, we want everyone we work with to feel confident and capable. We’re here to offer tools, resources, and encouragement every step of the way!

Our Founder & Executive Director Ani Tarpinian

Over the past 20 years, I’ve been lucky enough to learn and teach all over the world, studying nutrition, sustainable living, and food security. I’ve brought that experience back home, working with schools, community programs, farms, and public health departments across Southern California.

When starting my cooking classes, it was important to me to ensure that ‘being healthy’ didn’t just mean eating fruits and vegetables.  I wanted to teach overall wellness in a way that was fun and accessible for kids of all ages. So, I teamed up with community leaders and experts in mindfulness and trauma-informed care to create a curriculum that brings cooking and nutrition to life in a joyful, hands-on, and inclusive way.

That journey inspired me to start Little Sprouts Kitchen, a place where every child, regardless of background, body type, learning style, or ability, feels welcome and capable. Whether a child is shy or spirited, neurodivergent or sensory-sensitive, we make sure they feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Our programs are designed to support a wide range of needs and help each child build real-life skills, confidence in the kitchen, and lasting healthy habits.

At the heart of it all, my goal is simple: to make wellness and good food accessible, enjoyable, and empowering for every body, no matter their age, background, or ability.

Our Pledge

This pledge is our way of saying we’re serious about making a positive impact—on both people and the planet. At Little Sprouts Kitchen, we put sustainability at the heart of everything we do.

• We reduce food waste, use seasonal ingredients, and create meat-free recipes that support local farms.

• We follow clear sustainability standards for everything we use, from food to supplies.

• We offer culturally inclusive food experiences that honor all backgrounds.

• We make mindfulness practices accessible and welcoming for all communities.