The Boone County Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional utilized the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service’s 12-station cooking lab to provide a hands-on educational experience for 30 homeschoolers to teach them about food safety, following recipes, and the importance of a healthy diet.

Over the course of 6-weeks, children from Kindergarten to 8^th grade completed a series in nutrition and cooking.  Participants were given tasks based on age group and skill level.  Younger kids learned basics skills such as using a microwave and how to use a peeler; older kids learned how to chop foods using a chef’s knife and how to use the stove safely.  

Results from the pre- and post-tests that participants took show that improvements were made in diet quality, food safety, and willingness to ask their parents for easier access to healthy snacks.  Participating in this program gave students the basic knowledge they need to make healthy choices each day, and also gave them the basic cooking skills they need to prepare healthy meals for a lifetime.