Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Classroom Cooking Cart Equipment

Classroom cooking is an educational activity that keeps the students engaged. Here is a list of basic items for preparing food in the classroom.

Classroom cooking is an educational activity that keeps the students engaged. It is a great way to use what the students grow in the school garden, giving them the opportunity to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce while practicing math, reading, and life skills.

Kitchen equipment may be obtained through a number of ways including grants, donations, and purchases. If you have the resources for a more permanent set up, stocking a mobile cooking cart is a wonderful addition to any school. If properly cared for, it can last for years.

The following list includes basic items for preparing food in the classroom. It includes items for the class and items for small working groups. For assistance in funding, contact your local parent-teacher organization for ideas.

Cooking Cart Equipment

Suggested List
Quantity Item
Multiple Assorted sizes of pots with lids
2 baking sheets
1 blender
2 baking pans or dishes
1 can opener
1 cart, rolling utility
5 citrus juicers, small
1 colander
10 cutting boards, small plastic
1 bottle dishwashing liquid
3 bowls, mixing, assorted sizes
1 electric skillet (optional)
1 first aid kit
5 graters, box
1 hand mixer
2 hotplates, electric
4 kitchen towels
1 ladle
5 sets measuring cups
5 sets measuring spoons
4 potholders
2 rolling pins
1 salad spinner
2 skillets, large (12"-14") non-stick
2 spoons, large wooden
1 spoon, slotted
2 spatulas
5 sponges with rough side
10 spreaders (serrated with rounded end)
1 steamer insert for pot
1 set tongs
5 vegetable peelers
3 whisks, assorted sizes
5 whisks, medium
1 knife, chef's
Questions:   Education and Nutrition Policy Unit | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Friday, April 18, 2025
Related Content
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • 2026–27 FFVP Grant Recipient Announcement (added 31-Jul-2026)
    On July 30, 2026, the CDE NSD awarded and posted the FFVP first allocation grant recipients and funding allocations for School Year 2026–27 on the CDE FFVP Funding Results web page. The FFVP first allocation is July 1, 2026–September 30, 2026.
  • Local School Wellness Policy Final Rule--Revised (added 29-Jul-2026)
    Management Bulletin SNP-03-2026: The Local School Wellness Policy Final Rule (Revised) provides additional information explaining the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's local school wellness policy requirements.
  • Competitive Food and Beverages Definition of Sold (added 29-Jul-2026)
    Management Bulletin SNP-28-2014, AB 626 (Skinner), EC 49430(f): Competitive foods and beverages: implementing the definition sold.
  • Farm to Summer Celebration Week 2026: Post-Survey (added 17-Jul-2026)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) recognizes SMP operators who complete the three key elements during the F2Summer Celebration Week: 1) Taste, 2) Teach, and 3) Connect.
  • Powering Up with Plant-based Menus and Marketing (added 16-Jul-2026)
    The School Nutrition Programs Powering Up with Plant-based Menus and Marketing online training.