Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryThe Teen Center Learns to Cook 2024



The Teen Center Learns to Cook 2024

Author: Marian Stacy

Planning Unit: Madison County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Raising a family is difficult under the most promising of circumstances. Raising children with limited resources and time bring parents and grandparents new dilemmas to each struggling family’s table. In Madison County, guardians of these teens are finding themselves working several jobs to make ends meet, leaving the teenagers to fend for themselves and in some cases, younger siblings.  The concern is that these teenagers have no training in food security or preparation. Not having the proper nutrition education costs the family more money in prepared foods for snacks and “easy meals” that can be warmed in a microwave, also leaving youth with less nutritious choices.

The Richmond Teen Center is open Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-6 pm when school is in session. They offer supervised physical activities as well as homework assistance and some life skills classes for teens ages 13-18 to bridge this family disconnect. This also provides the kids with a safe space to hang out. The Madison County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant Senior was asked to provide seven cooking instructed classes with an emphasis on healthy meal planning, shopping and preparation. It was decided that meeting every other Thursday would be best to keep things on schedule.

The first couple of meetings did not go well as the teens were adamant, they had already been taught how to cook healthy meals and were not receptive to outsiders. The NEP Assistant Senior persevered teaching them to cook pasta al dente so as not to overcook making it possible to reheat for edible leftovers. This proved the point showing the teens there was much to be learned. In the end, there were ten teenagers that graduated. They learned proper knife skills, correct food safety habits and hand washing, low-cost meal planning, and various cooking skills to execute delicious, nutritious, inexpensive meals for themselves and the ones they love. 100% adopted one or more new practices in food selection, 80% improved food safety, and 80% improved physical activity. All learned to cook pasta correctly without making a mess out of it.






Stories by Marian Stacy


Kingston’s “Eating Club” 2024

about 9 months ago by Marian Stacy

Madison County adult obesity rate in 2023 was at 36%, almost parallel to Kentuckys 2023 state obesit... Read More


New Opportunity School for Women 2024

about 9 months ago by Marian Stacy

Appalachia is known for its beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and rich family heritage. It is al... Read More


Stories by Madison County CES


Emergency Disaster Preparedness Program-hosted with Bluegrass Area FCS Agents

Emergency Disaster Preparedness Program-hosted with Bluegrass Area FCS Agents

about 8 days ago by Jessica Hunley

Kentuckians have experienced firsthand how natural disasters can occur any time and often with littl... Read More


Ovarian Cancer Garden Party

Ovarian Cancer Garden Party

about 8 days ago by Jessica Hunley

The Madison County Extension Homemakers have decided to bring back and host an event to support Ovar... Read More


Stories by Nutrition and Food Systems General


Sourdough Basics – A Natural Leavening Bread

Sourdough Basics – A Natural Leavening Bread

about 7 days ago by Megan Gullett

In a time when the demand for healthier, cost-effective food options is on the rise, a series of wor... Read More


The Culinary Journey Across Kentucky Seminar

The Culinary Journey Across Kentucky Seminar

about 27 days ago by Joni Phelps

The culinary history of Kentucky is important for several reasons, as it reflects the states rich cu... Read More