Describe the Issue or Situation.Teen eating habits are crucial for understanding their health and well-being. Here are some relevant statistics about teen eating patterns: Diet Quality, according to the CDC, only about 2% of adolescents meet the recommended daily intake for fruits and vegetables. Fast Food Consumption, The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that approximately 30% of adolescents consume fast food three or more times per week, which is linked to higher intakes of calories, saturated fats, and sodium. Snacking Trends a study published in the Journal of Nutrition indicates that over 90% of teens snack at least once a day, with many opting for high-calorie, low-nutrient options like chips and sugary drinks. Breakfast Skipping, the National Weight Control Registry finds that about 25% of teens skip breakfast regularly, which can impact their overall nutrition and energy levels throughout the day. These statistics highlight the need for ongoing education and support to help teens develop healthier eating habits.  The Nutrition Education Program in partnership with the Foods and Nutrition Class at Muhlenberg County High School used the Teen Cuisine Program to address the needs of high school students in our county.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). Partnership with the Muhlenberg County High School and the Nutrition Education Program Through the Teen Cuisine program, the Nutrition Education program assistant visited the high school classroom weekly for 6 weeks. The teens were introduced to the fundamentals of nutrition, learning how to make informed choices about their foods with added sugars and unhealthy fats.  Teens also learned about nutrition, kitchen safety, and kitchen hygiene.  Additionally, they also gained valuable hands-on experience, confidently handling and preparing new foods.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience. twenty seven high school students participated in the program.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.Through the program the teens embraced healthier eating habits, and shared their newfound knowledge with their families and friends.  Teen Cuisine inspired positive changes and empowered the teen to lead healthier lives.  To evaluate Teen Cuisine, the teens completed pre and post evaluations, all twenty seven members of the class showed improvement in at least one area.