Author: Mary S Averbeck
Planning Unit: Kenton County CES
Major Program: Health 4-H Core Curriculum
Plan of Work: 4-H Youth Development
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
A local school identified five families under stress. 4-H, in conjunction with the family resource coordinator and other school volunteers created a family centered program. A family cooking series was offered to promote a bonding experience between adults and children, promote proper, safe food preparation methods and help families stretch their food dollars. A 4-H extension agent and a 4-H volunteer led the three two-hour sessions held over three months that were offered to these families consisting of 9 adults and 16 children. (Children under 4 were cared for by volunteers and then joined the families for eating the meal.) Adults and children aged 4 through 14 were educated on washing and cutting fruits and vegetables, mixing ingredients, sautéing and other cooking skills. During each session a menu including all MyPlate food groups was prepared by the participants. Recipes from Super Star Chef and SNAP materials were used. Each family made a portion of the meal and then all participants ate together. As the participants ate the meal, a discussion was held on the various food groups represented, as well as, some of the nutrients in the foods. SNAP calendars and recipes were provided to help families stretch their food dollars. At the end of the series a family cookbook was presented to each family with the recipes used in the series with pictures of each family on the front cover. Evaluation was written and verbal. Evaluations at the end of the sessions showed that most families attended all three sessions. 100% of respondents agreed that cooking together was a bonding experience. 75% of families have replicated the recipes at home, with the other 25% indicating that they plan to use the recipes. 75% of adults and youth reported trying a new food during the cooking series. Half of the participants reported learning to work together as an outcome of the experience. One adult wrote “Just need everyone to know how much of an impact this group has been, and how important having this support helps us and our kids. Thank you for all you do.”
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