Barren County residents face the challenges of overweight (62%) and obesity (32%). Families often rely on fast food and convenience foods which are high in calories, sugar, fat, and sodium. To combat this health issue, Barren County Cooperative Extension Agent for Horticulture teamed up with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Education team to conduct a 3-day Super Star Chef Camp. The maximum of 20 youth, ages 9 to 17 years old, participated in Super Star Chef. All were first time Super Star Chef participants.

During the camp, youth learned about nutrition and prepared healthy recipes that require minimal or no adult supervision. They demonstrated food safety (proper hand washing and avoiding cross contamination), correct knife skills, and proper use of measuring tools as they read and followed directions. Youth increased their nutrition knowledge of My Plate food groups by matching foods to food groups and describing serving size for food groups. They were able to interpret a food label and rank which foods are healthier options.

Ninety-five percent (95%) of the youth plan to eat more fruits and vegetables after participating in the program. Choosing fruits and vegetables are healthier options from fast food and convenience foods and reduces their risk of chronic diseases.

Several parents commented that because of Super Star Chef, their children had offered to help in the kitchen and with meals. The parents were very appreciative of the Barren County Cooperative Extension Service for going out of their way to cover a program area that was missing a Family and Consumer Sciences agent. The kids were excited to attend every day and did not want to miss a minute of the action.

Kentucky Health Facts.org  http://www.kentuckyhealthfacts.org/data/location/show.aspx?cat=1%2C2%2C3%2C5%2C8%2C11&loc=5