Success StoryRecipes for Life



Recipes for Life

Author: Deborah Messenger

Planning Unit: Cumberland County CES

Major Program: Recipes for Life

Plan of Work: Nutrition, Food Systems and Health Promotions

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Cumberland County Family and Consumer Sciences collaborated with four 5th grade teachers and the principal of Cumberland County Elementary School to offer the Recipes for Life program to sixty-seven students. Three volunteers worked with students in a hands-on educational setting to teach important life skills. A post-test evaluation was conducted to determine learning outcomes. As a result of the program, students gained the following knowledge and skills:

- 97% recognized the recommended handwashing steps.

- 94% identified ways to avoid burns in the kitchen.

- 94% identified correct techniques for accurately measuring ingredients.

- 79% recognized the food groups that comprise MyPlate.

- 91% formulated time management strategies in meal preparation.

In addition, as a result of attending the Recipes for Life program, students plan to make the following behavior changes:

- 88% plan to eat more fruits.

- 76% plan to eat more vegetables.

- 90% plan to try new foods.

- 96% plan to help prepare more food at home.

Follow-up reports from fifth grade teachers, showed that staff found that the program objectives being aligned with Kentucky Academic Standards was helpful. One teacher stated that the program "was well ran and my students loved the experience of cooking and trying new foods." Another shared that a success was that their students tried new foods and that many of them shared that they had shown their families how to make some of the recipes. Finally, one teacher stated that she had made the broccoli spoonbread at home.






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