Owen County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent collaborated with 15 administrators and teachers with the Owen County School District to offer the Recipes for Life Program to 130 fifth-grade students. 24 volunteers worked with students in a hands-on educational setting to teach important life skills throughout the week. A post­test evaluation was conducted to determine learning outcomes. As a result of the program, students gained the following knowledge and skills:

1. 93% recognized the recommended handwashing steps.
2. 82% identified best practices for kitchen clean-up.
3. 96% identified ways to avoid burns in the kitchen.
4. 92% identified when to use a meat thermometer.
5. 89% identified the sequence of steps in preparing a recipe.
6. 84% identified correct technique for accurately measuring ingredients.
7. 91% recognized the food groups that comprise MyPlate.

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

1. 86% plan to eat more fruits and vegetables.
2. 82% plan to try new foods.

A few students shared their favorite part of this program:

“My favorite part was to be able to cook a meal and work together with my friends.”

“Cooking the food! Thank you for teaching me!”

“My favorite part was washing dishes.”

“Getting to eat all the really good food we made.”

Feedback was collected from school administrators, teachers, volunteers, and parents. From a parent, “I love this program, we had a great conversation about cooking when they got home from school!”  From a teacher, “This program makes a difference for these kids and they really enjoy and learn from it.”