Upon completion of a successful cooking club, Clark Moores Middle School asked the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant Senior in Madison County to lead a Life Skills class for their youth audience. This Life Skills class included: proper measuring, food safety, basic cooking terms and techniques, MyPlate, whole grains, Think Your Drink, and table etiquette as this age group of youth seem to have a great need for these basic skills. There were three boys and three girls who participated over a three-week period with each class lasting two and half hours.

According to evaluations given before and after this three-week session, 100% of the youth made improvement in one or more areas. 67% gained knowledge and/or skills in preparing simple, nutritious, affordable meals as well as practicing healthier dietary habits and better food safety practices. All six were amazed to learn that brown sugar should be “packed” for proper measurement, while flour should be “fluffed” for proper measurement. One reported teaching his new skills to his mother who seemed happy to learn why her homemade bread always came out to heavy.