Success StoryCooking Class Builds Confidence While Teaching Valuable Life Skills to Middle Schoolers



Cooking Class Builds Confidence While Teaching Valuable Life Skills to Middle Schoolers

Author: Jacqui Denegri

Planning Unit: Fayette County CES

Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Throughout the spring of 2018 the Nutrition Education Program partnered with Fayette County Public Schools to integrate cooking lessons for 6th to 8th grade students into their life skills class. The instructor had expressed that most of the families reported using boxed convenience foods. In addition to being less nutritious these prepackaged meals had left the children with little exposure to fresh produce. Using the Teen Cuisine nutrition curriculum the students were taught food safety, kitchen skills and meal planning. By preparing a different recipe each week, the students gained invaluable knowledge and confidence. This is evidenced by the fact that by comparing beginning and ending data at the end of the 7 week course 75% of the youth surveyed reported feeling more confident following the directions in a recipe. Additionally 66% felt they had increased their proficiency with measuring cups and spoons, which could lead to a lifetime of healthy food preparation.






Stories by Jacqui Denegri


Healthy Choices for a Fresh Start

about 2 years ago by Jacqui Denegri

In 2022 the senior program assistant for the Nutrition Education Program for Fayette County reached ... Read More


Food Safety Provides Medical Security

about 2 years ago by Jacqui Denegri

In 2022 the SNAP-Ed senior program assistant partnered with Briarwood Apartments, a federally subsid... Read More


Stories by Fayette County CES


UK staff appreciation

UK staff appreciation

about 1 years ago by Maranda Brooks

FCS Had the distinct pleasure of being invited to set up a table at the UK staff Appreciation. Maran... Read More


4-H Summit

4-H Summit

about 1 years ago by Lucas Powell

According to research, middle school is a time where young people find their place in this world, th... Read More