The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show US students receive less than 8 hours of required nutrition education each school year. The Todd County Cooperative Extension Office collaborated with the Todd County Family Resource and Youth Services Centers for a summer program, “Super Star Chef Camp”.  The three-day cooking camp, included hands-on food preparation skills, kitchen safety and appliance use, food safety procedures, nutrition education, and physical activity.

The Todd County Nutrition Education Assistant taught the youth lessons about Myplate, nutrition facts labels, food safety and knife skills. The youth participated in physical activity breaks that reinforced the concepts.  A favorite was My Plate Relay, a game that helps youth increase knowledge where food fits on Myplate.

Results from posttest surveys showed:

• 100% of the youth improved their abilities to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations 64% gained knowledge of safe food handling practices.
• 64% gained knowledge of safe food handling practices.
• 67% improved their ability to prepare simple, nutritious, affordable food.
• 71% improved their physical activity practices.

The youth were excited to take home a Super Star Chef Cookbook, and share the recipes they had prepared with their families.