David Grover and Zachary Hogue, two teens supported by the Licking County Board of DD, volunteered at the Canal Market District, helping chef Andrew Spurlock with cooking demonstrations for the Edible Licking County program. Both are interested in learning more about careers in the culinary arts.

David Grover dreams of being a master chef or a grill master.

David Grover and Zachary Hogue are both teens supported by the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

The 19-year-old loves cooking for his family, but wants to gain more experience.

On July 19, he was one of two teens who had the opportunity to learn from Andrew Spurlock, kitchen manager of The Pub on Broadway, while preparing a fresh salad for visitors to the Canal Market District.

David and  Zachary Hogue, 14, are both supported by the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD) and are looking for new experiences.

When they heard there was an opportunity to participate in cooking demonstrations and learn from Spurlock — through the Edible Licking County program — they decided to volunteer.

“I thought maybe I’d get some experience and it’s a good thing to get on my resume,” David said.

Edible Licking County is a collaboration between the Pub on Broadway, LCBDD and the Licking County Library system, created to help people learn to cook healthy, local food.

Spurlock was inspired to get involved in the project by his son, who has autism. His goal is to create opportunities for people with disabilities to learn more about cooking.

Not only does it help them explore a possible career path, but it can help them make healthier choices for themselves and their families, Spurlock said.

A simple salad made of ingredients from Canal Market vendors.

On July 19, Spurlock, David and Zachary visited the different vendors at the Canal Market to purchase ingredients. Then Spurlock showed them how to prepare and dress a salad, made with fresh vegetables and an apple cider vinaigrette.

“This is very similar to working in any restaurant that serves farm to table foods,” Spurlock said.

Both teens will have additional opportunities to volunteer at the market later this summer and do more cooking demonstrations.

Edible Licking County continues from 4 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 16, Sept. 20 and Oct. 18 at the Canal Market District, located at 24 E. Canal St., in Newark.