An Inspired Career Path

According to the CDC, empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories for children and adolescents age 2–18 years—affecting the overall quality of their diets. Approximately half of these empty calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. Additionally, most youths do not consume the recommended amount of total water. Middle school students are part of the population that requires special attention when it comes to eating habits. At this age, they start to make their own decisions about food and that is the reason that SNAP-Ed focuses on this population in Whitley County.

With the partnership of Health Corps and Berea College Promise Neighborhood, I have utilized the Teen Cuisine curriculum and organize Rookie Cooking Camps focused in 6^th to 8^th grader, as well as a cooking club afterschool program in the Corbin School District. Many of the kids had taken recipes, that they replicate at home and make part of the regular meal rotations, which by itself is a success. However, this year was especially nice to know that one of our participants, leaving middle school and starting her freshman year has decided to pursue culinary school. She felt inspired by participating in our different programs during 7^th and 8^th grade.

After program participation, 50% of all program participants self-report that they have improved their ability to choose foods according to the Federal Dietary Recommendations and 50% report improvement in their ability to prepare simple, nutritious, affordable food. I am delighted that SNAP-Ed is impacting how the next generation is looking at food.