The Powell County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent collaborated with administrators and teachers at Bowen Elementary School to offer the Recipes for Life Program to twenty-eight fifth-grade students. Fourteen volunteers worked with students in a hands-on educational setting to teach important life skills. Volunteers included representatives from the Health Coalition, Health Department, and local Health Clinics. 

A pre-test/ post­-test evaluation was conducted to determine learning outcomes. As a result of the program, students gained the following knowledge and skills:

• 100% recognized the recommended handwashing steps.
• 100% identified best practices for kitchen clean-up.
• 76% identified ways to avoid burns in the kitchen.
• 100% identified safe knife handling techniques.
• 76% identified when to use a meat thermometer.
• 80% identified correct technique for accurately measuring ingredients.
• 72% formulated time management strategies in meal preparation.
• 84% recognized the food groups that comprise MyPlate.
• 96% plan to prepare food at home.

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

• 96% plan to eat more fruits.
• 76% plan to eat more vegetables.
• 84% plan to try new foods.

Feedback was collected from school administrators, teachers, and volunteers.

“The kids were excited and loved being involved in every step of the process.”

“Fear of using knives were conquered.”

Some other successes shared by volunteers and school administrators were that students gained confidence in new skills, showed eagerness to learn more, and stayed engaged throughout the entire day.