A showy piece of Orlando’s garden-to-table movement has a fresh new identity. Edible Education Experience, a nonprofit rooted in immersive culinary and garden education, has officially rebranded as The Kitchen House (Website), a name that pays tribute to its physical home, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen House and Culinary Garden in College Park.
The new name represents more than just a facelift (which it’s also had – thanks to some new garden layouts and a window refresh). It marks a reinvigorated mission to deepen community connections through food, expand reach, and deliver powerful, hands-on learning experiences for all ages.
“Our name reflects what we do—inviting people of all ages into a warm, welcoming space where they can grow, cook, and enjoy real food together,” said Betsy Gwinn, one of The Kitchen House’s new co-executive directors. Gwinn brings years of nonprofit leadership experience in Central Florida, joining forces with Sara Elliott, whose work with the renowned Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture (Website) in New York,
Founded over a decade ago through the collaborative vision of local chef Kevin Fonzo, gardener Brad Jones, educator Sarah Cahill, and faculty at Orlando Junior Academy, the initiative was born from a simple but profound question: What if students could learn about science, health, and the environment by engaging with real food?
That question continues to guide The Kitchen House’s programming today. The organization provides hands-on culinary and gardening experiences, connecting people to fresh, whole foods and teaching practical skills that extend far beyond the kitchen.
Led by Chef Megan Amnott, Program Manager, the organization emphasizes confidence in growing and cooking plants. “Almost every experience involves harvesting from our robust garden, and the best part is enjoying the meals together,” said Amnott.
In an era where ultra-processed foods make up roughly 70% of the average child and teen’s diet in the U.S., The Kitchen House is tackling a public health crisis with hands-on, empowering education. Their approach is holistic: participants learn how to grow food, prepare meals, and understand the health and environmental impacts of what they eat.
The Kitchen House is located at 26 E. King Street [GMap].