Describe the Issue or Situation.

Participants of the Lee County Elementary Afterschool 4-H Club were asked what topics they would like to explore during club meetings this school year. After discussion of several possible topics, the students were asked which ones appealed the most. the responses given showed that 60% of the students were interested in learning about kitchen safety and food preparation skills.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The Lee County 4-H agent partnered with the Family Resource & Youth Services Coordinator at Lee County Elementary to arrange transportation to the Lee County Extension Office. There the students were able to learn about safe knife skills when chopping vegetables, how to avoid cross contamination of food, how to safely grate cheese cheese and other foods as well as the importance of being serious and avoiding horseplay in the kitchen.  

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

There were 11 (male = 8 and female = 3)  Afterschool 4-H Club members who were able to come to the extension office and participate in the Kitchen Safety 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.

Results indicated that 90% of the participants were able to increase their knowledge of safe knife handling skills. Among the participants, 90% also increased their knowledge of how to avoid cross contamination of food. There were 70% of participants who learned how to safely grate cheese and other foods. A greater understanding of the dangers of horseplay in the kitchen was achieved by 90% of participants.