Cumberland County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent collaborated with seven administrators and teachers with the Cumberland County School District to offer the Recipes for Life Program to 58 fifth grade students. Five volunteers collaborated with students in a hands-on educational setting to teach important life skills. Also, seven culinary students from the high school volunteered to assist and supervise fifth grade students in preparing the recipes. A pre-test/post-test evaluation was conducted to determine the learning outcomes. As a result of the program, students gained the following knowledge and skills:

-27.9% improvement in correctly identifying recommended handwashing steps

-40.28% improvement in identifying ways to avoid burns in the kitchen

-67.84% improvement in identifying the importance of using separate cutting boards for meat, fruit and vegetables

-76.83% improvement in identifying when to use a food thermometer

-43.35% improvement in food safety steps

-38.18% improvement in formulating time management strategies in meal preparation

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

-92.98% plan to eat more fruits

-75% plan to eat more vegetables

-85.73% plan to try new foods

-91.07% plan to help prepare food at home

Feedback was collected from 3 fifth grade teachers. This was the second year for the teachers to participate in the program. They shared the following:

-"The kiddos tried new things and made the recipes at home."

-"Instructors planned an exceptional experience for our students."

"The program has been extended into the classroom through meetings, assignments and projects in special class."

Upon follow-up with students, many shared that they had prepared at least one of the recipes from Recipes for Life with their family after the program.