In November 2023, Sustainable Contra Costa (SCOCO) and Contra Costa County partnered to launch the BayREN CookSmart Pilot Program, an initiative to bring portable induction cooking technology to underserved households. Funded by BayREN as part of its mission to promote healthy, energy-efficient buildings across the Bay Area, the program aimed to improve indoor air quality, enhance household safety, and reduce energy costs while helping residents explore cleaner, safer cooking options.

The program provided 98 households with free induction cooktops and compatible stainless steel cookware, included to reduce barriers by ensuring participants had everything they needed to start cooking immediately.

Each household received a Duxtop 9100 single-burner induction cooktop and two to three pieces of compatible cookware. Sixteen participants—primarily in-home childcare providers—received a Duxtop 9620 dual-burner model to meet higher daily cooking needs, with the agreement that the cooktop would be used exclusively to prepare meals while children were present.

To support long-term success, the program required each participant to attend at least one cooking demonstration and complete three monthly surveys. These surveys collected insights on user experience, challenges, and how well the cooktops fit into daily routines. Demonstrations and learning resources were designed to build comfort and confidence with induction cooking over time.

Led by local chef and healthy eating advocate Cindy Gershen, the demonstrations gave participants hands-on experience with their new equipment and introduced simple one-pot meals and safe cooking techniques. Two of the seven demonstrations were held virtually, allowing participants to follow along from home. Many returned for multiple sessions to ask questions about their equipment, build skills, and try new recipes. Fresh produce was distributed at each demonstration in partnership with White Pony Express, making each event a well-rounded resource for healthy cooking.

The program prioritized outreach to two groups expected to benefit most: seniors and in-home childcare providers. Seniors, often living in smaller households, valued induction cooking for its energy efficiency, money-saving potential, and compact size. Childcare providers were targeted for the health benefits induction offers, including flameless operation and reduced indoor air pollution. By the program’s conclusion in October 2024, these groups made up a significant portion of participants: 54% identified as seniors, and 29% as in-home childcare providers. This focus aligned the technology with specific community needs, helping ensure meaningful engagement.

This pilot offered households a no-cost opportunity to explore induction cooking while helping shape future clean cooking initiatives. Participants’ enthusiastic engagement demonstrated strong interest in healthier, sustainable, and more energy-efficient cooking options, though most expressed an inability to adopt these technologies independently due to associated costs. However, with the right tools, training, and support, households in Contra Costa are ready and willing to embrace safer, cleaner technologies that improve daily life—and many are already lining up for the opportunity.