The Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent (Alivia Stevens) in partnership with Georgetown Middle School and Youth Service Center Coordinator Nancy Mercado, has achieved great success through its ongoing monthly nutrition workshops. This initiative provides students with valuable hands-on experiences in the kitchen, while also promoting healthy habits and life skill development. Each month, students participate in a live cooking demonstration led by Alivia Stevens, followed by an opportunity to recreate the recipe themselves using fresh ingredients. The program has featured a variety of nutritious and fun recipes including homemade pizza loaded with vegetables, fruit parfaits, canning jam, making whole grain spaghetti, and fresh salsa. During a recent session, students observed Stevens and cooked along with her as she made homemade pizzas using colorful bell peppers and fresh mozzarella. Students worked together to recreate the dish and add their own flare, gaining experience in both cooking and collaboration.

The impact of the program is evident in the students’ enthusiasm and the skills they’re developing. Eighth grader Blake Shadd shared his excitement, writing, “My favorite part was making the pizza sauce.” This enthusiasm reflects one of the program’s core goals: to make healthy eating approachable and enjoyable for students. “We want them to feel successful and excited to try new things, both in the kitchen and at the table,” said Nancy Mercado. The lessons go far beyond nutrition; students are also learning important fine motor skills and sequencing through tasks like safe cutting techniques and following step-by-step instructions. These are skills that not only build independence but also support academic growth.

“The goal is to show students that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming,” Mercado explained. The program is designed to build confidence, encourage creativity, and introduce students to a variety of new foods that expand their palates. It’s also a great example of how strong community partnerships can enrich education through real-world, hands-on learning. As Mercado shared, “We want them to feel successful,” and this initiative is doing just that, helping students thrive in and out of the kitchen through the support of the Scott County Cooperative Extension Service.