According to Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “The best way to teach kids about eating right is to get them into the kitchen to prepare healthy meals together. Cooking is a valuable life skill that teaches children about nutrition and food safety, as well as building math, science, literacy and fine motor skills.” However, with busy schedules and convenience of fast food restaurants, many youth are at a disadvantage when it comes to gaining skills in the kitchen and acquiring knowledge about the importance of nutrition. When assessing the needs and concerns of the community with the Webster County Extension Council, nutrition and cooking skills were listed as a need. The Webster County 4-H program implemented an after-school 4-H cooking club to provide youth the opportunity to gain basic cooking skills and learn the importance of nutrition.

The 4-H Cooking Club held monthly meetings with 20 youth participating. During each club meeting, 4-H curriculum is applied and members learned food safety, basic cooking skills, sample nutritious foods, and learned the positive effects of establishing healthy eating habits.   At the conclusion of the program, the youth implemented and showcased the skills they had learned by preparing a meal for their family. 

100% reported learning a new skill related to nutrition and cooking

100% reported trying a new food for the first time

100% reported increased confidence cooking in the kitchen