In the United States, a majority of children exceed the recommended amount of empty calories in their diets and fail to meet the recommendation for fruits and vegetables-especially dark green vegetables. 

Cooking related programs for children have the potential to improve children's diet quality as research has shown that cooking involvement is associated with more positive food choices. (College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

Programs that encourage youth to try new foods and prepare their own food are a large part of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in Taylor County. 

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant in Taylor County partnered monthly with Taylor County High School Culinary program to provide Teen Cuisine. Teen Cuisine is designed to teach youth from grades 6 to 12 essential life skills to promote optimal health – both in the present and in the future. The curriculum addresses key concepts about nutrition, food preparation and cooking, food safety, and physical activity using approaches and strategies that enhance learning and behavior change among teens. Additionally, in response to several students reporting food insecurity at home, one lesson focused on meal planning and menus designed around items from food boxes provided by food pantries and commodities. 

At the completion of the program, 80% of teens improved their ability to choose healthy foods. 60% improved knowledge of safe food handling practices. 27% reported acquired skills or knowledge to be more food secure. Students reported often preparing healthy recipes learned through the program at home for their families, or that they had tried a previous recipe and their family liked it.