On average, about 29% of kids sometimes make their own dinner. Cooking builds self-esteem. Children develop confidence, responsibility, and independence when they can help you prepare a snack or meal. When they get more practice, they can prepare more foods independently. (https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/now-youre-cookin-meals-help-kids)

For two weeks in June, over 50 students at Campbellsville Elementary Summer School, sponsored by the Family Resource Center, participated in two weeks of cooking activities with the Taylor County Extension Service Nutrition Education Program Assistant. Children who had completed Kindergarten through 5th grade learned basic knife skills, measurements, mixing, and cooking. Games and activities reinforcing My Plate and the primary food groups included a My Plate relay, Rainbow Good Game, and My Plate board games. Students prepared simple snacks such as Berry Crunch Roll-Ups and Yogurt Parfaits and easy meals such as Apple Chicken Salad and East Stir Fry. On the final day, students enjoyed a play at Campbellsville University. Students prepared a snack bag at a popcorn bar set up by the NEP Assistant to take with them. The popcorn snack included healthier options for flavoring popcorn as a substitute for traditional high-fat butter topping.

The results of the cooking program at Campbellsville Elementary Summer School are truly impressive. 71% of Kindergarten through 2nd graders showed improvement in one or more core areas, with 64% demonstrating enhanced knowledge or skills to choose foods consistent with federal dietary guidelines. Even more striking, 100% of 3rd through 5th graders improved in one or more core areas, with 94% showing progress in knowledge or skills to choose foods consistent with federal dietary guidelines. These statistics clearly demonstrate the positive impact of the cooking program on the children's skills and knowledge.