In today’s fast-paced world, many youths are inundated with unhealthy food options and often lack the knowledge to make informed choices about their nutrition. Recognizing this, In a proactive effort to promote healthier habits, the Cooperative Extension partnered with Heath Middle School to create a cooking club for 12 enthusiastic youth, ranging from grades 6-8. The initiative spanned six sessions, utilizing the "Teen Cuisine" curriculum. This program, designed specifically for teens, covers a broad range of vital topics, from food safety to making better food choices.

Over the six sessions, students learned how to:

•            Practice Food Safety: The youth were introduced to essential hygiene and safe food-handling practices, ensuring that they understood how to avoid foodborne illnesses.

•            Read Nutrition Labels: One key skill taught was the ability to interpret nutrition labels, enabling students to assess the nutritional value of foods and make healthier choices.

•            Make Healthier Restaurant Choices: With a world full of tempting but often unhealthy restaurant meals, students were educated on how to make smarter choices when dining out.

•            Choose Better Beverages: Instead of sugary drinks, the students were encouraged to opt for healthier beverages, learning about the impact of sugar on their health.

•            Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Emphasis was placed on the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into their daily meals.

•            Prepare Their Own Snacks: Perhaps one of the most practical outcomes was teaching the students how to make their own nutritious snacks, fostering independence and reducing the tendency to buy processed or unhealthy snacks.

By the end of the program, these 12 middle school students had gained confidence in the kitchen and a strong foundation in nutrition. They not only learned the importance of food safety and healthy eating but also became more mindful of their food choices. The cooking club fostered teamwork and creativity, with students taking pride in preparing their own meals and snacks.

Moreover, the program had a ripple effect, with many students sharing their new skills with family members, creating healthier habits at home. The partnership between the McCracken County Cooperative Extension and Heath Middle School provided students with the tools to lead healthier lives, which will have lasting benefits.