Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship application is for individuals who:

• Must currently reside in Northern California, including: the Bay Area, Central Coast, Sacramento Area, and everywhere north of these areas up until the Oregon border.

• Priority is given to participants under 40 years old who are from under-resourced communities and/or those who self-identify as part of marginalized and/or underrepresented communities.

• Have a strong interest or career (current or past) in the following: food service, food production or agriculture, community food systems & organizing, food education, or food sovereignty and access.

• Intend to apply what they learn to benefit their communities, educational work, creative practice, and/or professional development.

Context

Cook the Farm is a program of the Anna Tasca Lanza Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in California. We are dedicated to preserving culinary heritage and storytelling traditions while promoting cross-cultural understanding and supporting sustainable food systems. 

Inspired by the vision of Fabrizia Lanza and the pioneering work of the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in Sicily, the Foundation was established to ensure that this way of teaching and learning through food continues for generations to come.

Program

Cook the Farm (CTF) is more than a program, it’s a philosophy rooted in land, tradition, and culture. Held at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in rural Sicily, CTF is a 6-week long educational program hosting students from around the world to learn, cook, and deeply engage with local food systems and rural communities in Sicily. Through hands-on and place-based learning, each participant is encouraged to critically reflect on their relationship with food, the importance of community engagement, and why these connections matter globally. Alongside an international group of participants, you will experience what makes the core of the CTF experience transformative: the deep connections between food, place, and community.

What is Provided

• The costs of full tuition, all instruction, workshops, field visits, and housing during our six week program in Sicily, from February 11 to March 26, 2027 (value of $14,200).

• Access to all programming, activities, course material, and curriculum on included trips.

• Accommodation in the town of Valledolmo with a private bedroom, shared kitchen, and bathroom.  

Not included:

• Flight: Airfare to and from Sicily.

• Additional meals: Breakfasts, dinners, and weekend meals.

• Additional travel: Two optional group weekend trips can be added as an extra cost. Any other or personal side trips are at your own expense.

• Personal travel insurance.

Deliverables

After the program, we ask for the scholar to deliver a written or visual piece to showcase the Cook the Farm Sicily experience and how they will be translating what they have learned at home in their own food system. This will be featured on our social media, newsletter, and website. 


Application Process

The scholar will be announced on our communication channels before the program and will be featured post program as part of our scholar community.

• Applications deadline by: September 15, 2026

• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by beginning of October

• Second phase: Video call interviews with shortlisted candidates

• Scholar announced by: November 1, 2026