The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors priority health-risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults in the United States. 2019 YRBS results reported on CDC’s Healthy Schools “Making the Connection: Dietary Behaviors and Academic Grades” factsheet provide evidence of a significant association between academic grades and dietary behaviors.

The Todd County Youth Services Center Coordinator invited the Todd County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant teach a nutrition program at Todd County Horizons Academy, an alternative school for Todd County Middle and High School students. The NEP Assistant used the curriculum “Teen Cuisine,” which addresses key concepts about nutrition, food preparation, cooking, food safety, and physical activity. 

Students met for six, three-hour sessions. Each session students prepared a healthy recipe, while learning new kitchen skills and nutrition knowledge. Youth commented on Taste Test Score Sheets, they would prepare the recipes again at home.

Summary of participants improvement:

75% improved their abilities to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations.

75% gained knowledge of safe food handling practices.

63% improved their physical activity practices.

Studying nutrition in a kitchen setting, preparing recipes, may help students choose nutritious meals, and achieve higher grades.