18 Reasons

18 Reasons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cooking school based in San Francisco, California. The organization is dedicated to enhancing community food security through culinary education, with a focus on promoting home cooking as a transformative tool for improving health outcomes and strengthening family bonds.

History

18 Reasons evolved from the Bi-Rite Family of Businesses' initiative to create a space where community members could deepen their connections with food and each other. Founded in 2008, it initially offered tasting classes and community dinners on Guerrero Street. Later, it expanded to hands-on classes and relocated to its current facility, the 18th Street Kitchen, where it hosts a variety of cooking classes, baking workshops, and food-focused events. In 2013, 18 Reasons merged with Three Squares, a nonprofit founded by Sarah Nelson to bring free cooking classes to low-income communities, further expanding its reach and mission.

Programs

18 Reasons offers both paid and free programs tailored to diverse community needs:

• Paid Classes at the 18th Street Kitchen: These classes cater to home cooks of all skill levels, featuring international cuisines and encouraging culinary creativity and confidence. The programs are designed to inspire students with global home cooking traditions.

• Free Community Programs:

  • Cooking Matters: This 6-week program provides hands-on cooking practice combined with culturally relevant nutrition classes and free grocery donations. It is designed to empower food-insecure households and is a partnership with Share Our Strength.
  • Food As Medicine (FAM): A nutrition and medical intervention program focusing on managing diabetes and, more recently, pediatric obesity. It is funded by CalAIM and collaborates with Contra Costa Health Services.
  • Nourishing Pregnancy: This program supports Black and Latine birthing parents during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first months postpartum by offering cooking classes, nutrition workshops, doula support, and free groceries.

Mission and Impact

18 Reasons' mission is built around the belief that home cooking can transform lives by improving health, reducing expenses, and fostering stronger family bonds. The organization works to address five key barriers to cooking education: skills, cost, time, support, and information. Annually, 18 Reasons teaches over 3,500 individuals from under-resourced neighborhoods in the Bay Area.

Name Origin

The name "18 Reasons" pays homage to the former "17 Reasons" sign that once stood at the corner of 17th Street and Mission in San Francisco. The addition of "one more reason" aligns with their location on 18th Street.

Governance

18 Reasons operates independently under the guidance of its Board of Directors. Although co-founded by Bi-Rite's founding partner Sam Mogannam, who still serves on the board, it has evolved into a distinct nonprofit entity.