As part of an ongoing effort to improve access to food that is wholesome and wallet-friendly, Knorr is teaming up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to renovate three community kitchens across the U.S.

In a Dec. 13 press release, Knorr, which is owned by Englewood Cliffs-based Unilever, said it will collaborate with the nonprofit to update key features in kitchens at Boys & Girls Club facilities in Newark; Burbank, Calif.; and Independence, Mo., as a way to provide communities “with an inspiring place to create nutritious meals.”

Knorr, a German brand known for its wide range of sauces, recipe mixes, seasonings, pasta and rice sides, and stock, plans to update appliances, spruce up cabinets and counters, install new sinks and add a fresh coat of paint to improve usability of the spaces.

The upgrades would also qualify the kitchens for licensing that would enable the organization to share the space with other nonprofits and businesses, further enhancing support for Boys & Girls Club youth scholarships and programs, the press release said.

When it’s time to unveil the first kitchen makeover in Burbank, Knorr and Boys & Girls Clubs of America will enlist two-time Emmy-winning television host and actor Mario Lopez.

A Boys & Girls Club alumni who is now one of the nonprofit’s fitness ambassadors, Lopez will co-lead a live cooking class alongside a Knorr chef teaching participants how to make delicious and healthy meals – such as chicken tacos – for under $4 per serving, the company said.

After kitchen upgrades are complete in Newark and Independence sometime next year, there will be an unveiling ceremony followed by a cooking class showcasing meals that are affordable, flavorful and nutritious, according to Knorr.

Gina Kiroff, Knorr’s North America marketing lead, said, “We’re thrilled to kick off year two of a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and continue our journey in our shared mission to create healthier futures for the next generation of cooks and families honoring our commitment to making wholesome food accessible to all.”

She went on to say that Knorr is proud to support Boys & Girls Club’s Healthy Habits Program, a health and wellness curriculum for young people that addresses the benefits of eating right and staying physically active.

“We look forward to refreshing kitchens in clubs around the country to create more opportunities that provide our communities with the tools they need to thrive,” added Kiroff.