Pacific Northwest Martial Arts Academy

Kernels for Kids is a nonprofit program operating under the Pacific Northwest Martial Arts Academy Competition Team, a 501(c)(3) organization. Our program was made possible through the generosity of Meals on Wheels People of Oregon, who provided us with commercial-grade popcorn equipment as part of our shared commitment to building a healthier generation with strong leadership, resilience, and entrepreneurial values.

We take pride in producing high-quality popcorn that is a healthier alternative to many options on the market. Our air-popped methods significantly reduce unnecessary fats, and every flavor is crafted with care to ensure exceptional taste and quality. 

Just as Taekwondo teaches our athletes how to take a hit and keep moving forward, our program uses a fully hands-on approach that mirrors that same discipline and grit. Unlike traditional youth fundraisers—where the Girl Scouts don’t bake the cookies and the Boy Scouts don’t make the popcorn—our students are involved in every step of the process. They learn real business operations from the ground up: production, quality control, packaging, marketing, sales, financial literacy, and customer service.

This immersive experience builds confidence, character, and leadership while helping our athletes pursue regional, national and international aspirations in martial arts. Every bag purchased supports our mission and empowers today’s youth to become strong, capable, community-minded leaders

 Our popcorn is crafted to deliver outstanding flavor while eliminating the unnecessary fats and heavy oils commonly found in traditional popcorn products. What truly sets us apart from our competitors is that we do not cook our popcorn in oil. Instead, we utilize a high-volume commercial air popper that produces a cleaner, lighter, and more consistent product without sacrificing taste or texture. This method allows the natural quality of the corn to shine through, giving our customers a crisp, satisfying snack that doesn’t weigh them down.

By air-popping our kernels, we reduce the oil content by more than half in all of our savory flavors, delivering the bold taste people love with significantly fewer fats. For our candied varieties, we use only a minimal amount of coconut oil—just enough to ensure that our caramel and flavored coatings adhere properly—while still keeping the overall fat content far below what you’d find in traditional kettle-popped or oil-popped popcorn. This balance allows us to create vibrant, high-quality flavors without compromising our commitment to healthier options.

Our approach results in popcorn that is not only better for you, but also superior in texture and consistency. Each batch is crafted with attention to detail, ensuring even coating, optimal crunch, and the high standards our community has come to expect from Kernels for Kids. When you choose our popcorn, you’re choosing a product that delivers exceptional taste, cleaner ingredients, and a smarter, healthier alternative for you and your family.”

 Kernels for Kids gives back 100% of the net proceeds directly to the students who make it, ensuring that every hour of effort and every bag sold directly supports their growth and opportunities. Our mission is to fund youth activities through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that build skills for life. With the commercial-grade equipment generously provided through our community partnerships, our students are able to raise the funds necessary for national competitions, leadership events, international aspirations, and advanced training camps—experiences that might otherwise be out of reach for many families.

But Kernels for Kids is far more than a fundraiser. It is a fully immersive learning program designed to teach real-world skills that extend well beyond martial arts. Students gain experience in responsibility, teamwork, financial literacy, customer service, production management, leadership, and critical thinking. These experiences reinforce the same principles we teach on the mat—discipline, respect, perseverance, integrity, and the ability to take a hit and keep moving forward.

By integrating these lessons into our popcorn program, we create an environment where young people can learn, lead, and take ownership of their success. Every batch of popcorn they produce, every sale they make, and every customer they serve contributes to their development as capable, confident, and community-minded young leaders. Kernels for Kids doesn’t just support their athletic goals—it helps shape the next generation of strong, resilient youth prepared to thrive in every area of life