According to 2023 County Health Rankings, Clinton County is ranked among the least healthy counties in Kentucky particularly in terms of health factors which represent those things we can modify to improve the length and quality of life for residents. To continue the promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors, Clinton County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and Nutrition Education Assistant collaborated with eight administrators and teachers with the Clinton County School District to offer the Recipes for Life program to 109 fifth grade students. 14 volunteers worked with students in a hands-on educational setting to teach important life skills. A pre-test/post-test evaluation (completed by 99 students) was conducted to determine learning outcomes. As a result of the program, two-thirds of students can correctly recognize the main food groups that comprise MyPlate and should be consumed every day.  Students planned to make the following changes as a result of attending the Recipes for Life program: 84% of students plan to eat more fruits, 78% planned to eat more vegetables, 86% of students reported that they plan to try new foods, and 84% plan to help prepare food at home. Additionally, 77% of students feel confident making their own meal. 

Administration was impressed with the depth of coverage that the Recipes for Life program addressed.  One teacher stated, “This is information and skills that all people need.”  While preparing the various recipes associated with the program, one student stated, “I didn’t know cooking for myself could be so easy.” Social media coverage of the program revealed the following parent comments: “Love seeing these events for kids during school hours! Real life skills they can use every day! Sydney could not stop talking about how awesome it was to learn to cut vegetables and had to show me the proper way. She even volunteered to help with supper prep tonight.”; “My child is planning out our supper for the week and hasn’t stopped looking at cookbooks since she got home!”; and “Emma Sue had to tell me all about it and show me all the things she got today. She loved it!”. 

Cooking with youth is a great way to help them build confidence and lay the foundation for healthier eating habits as they age. Programs such as Recipes for Life are an integral part of Extension’s commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.