According to the National Library of Medicine (2023), children are not consuming enough fruits and vegetables.  Kentucky also has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity (Trust for America’s Health, 2023).  Studies have found that children who learn how to cook are more likely to eat healthily as they age.  Therefore, to address these concerns, Campbell County Extension offered a 3-part cooking and gardening series to children aged 6-8 and their caregivers called Grownup and Me.   

            The family and consumer sciences department partnered with the horticulture assistant to teach the hands-on gardening and cooking program to 12 families.  Children learned how to measure wet and dry ingredients, knife skills, nutrition through MyPlate, and gardening such as growing their own lettuce.  They also were also encouraged to try new foods especially fruits and vegetables.  The following University of Kentucky curricula was utilized: Super Star Chef,  Cook Together Eat Together, and the Nutrition Education Program.  End of the 3 month evaluations showed the following:

1. 100% of the families said they were cooking with their child more at home.
2. 100% said that they practiced the cooking skills learned in the program.
3. 83% said their child used the correct measuring tools for wet and dry ingredients.
4. 83% said their child is willing to try new foods. 
5. 83% are using some of the recipes from the program.
6. 60% have been eating more nutritious meals.

One of the parents said, “The program made my child excited about cooking and baking.  He has helped make dinner and been open to trying the foods he has prepared.”