Success StoryTeen Cuisine



Teen Cuisine

Author: Teresa King

Planning Unit: Meade County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Kentucky’s youth are fighting an uphill battle to lower their obesity rate. According to the 2019/2020 data from Stateofobesity.org, the obesity rate among youth ages 10 – 17 in Kentucky has increased from 19.6% to 23.8% in four years.

To educate youth on nutrition and the importance of physical activity the Meade County Cooperative Extension EFNEP (Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program) assistant conducted a four-week Teen Cuisine Program. The EFNEP assistant partnered with Stuart Pepper Middle School to offer this afterschool program. Each session included physical activity tips, along with nutrition and food prep lessons. They were then split into groups to make a recipe that included fruits or vegetables. By involving the students in the making of each recipe, they were more apt to try unfamiliar foods.

At the conclusion of the program the evaluation data showed, 92% increased their physical activity. Over 60% improved their daily vegetable intake. Nearly 85% of the students increased their confidence in reading a recipe and measuring skills. 






Stories by Teresa King


Discovering MyPlate

about 6 years ago by Teresa King

Only eleven percent of adults in Meade County consume the daily recommended five or more servings of... Read More


The Key to Latch Key

about 6 years ago by Teresa King

Throughout Meade County the number of youth going home to an empty house is increasing. In Meade Cou... Read More


Stories by Meade County CES


Teen Leadership Academy: Creating Self-Confident and Adventurous Leaders

Teen Leadership Academy: Creating Self-Confident and Adventurous Leaders

about 6 years ago by Deana Reed

Leadership education builds several important assets in Kentucky youth and provides critical element... Read More


4-H Babysitting Basics

4-H Babysitting Basics

about 6 years ago by Deana Reed

Family Magazine reports that 76% of middle school age youth are babysitting either family members or... Read More