According to Kentucky by the Numbers data from 2016, 44.2% of the youth population in Breathitt County is living in poverty, and 1,756 youth under the age of 18 are living in households that receive supplemental security income, cash public assistance, or food stamps/SNAP.  Because a high percentage of Breathitt County youth live in households where food insecurity and food safety are issues, it is important for them to learn how to prepare healthy, safe, foods for themselves and their families.

The Super Star Chef program is one way Breathitt County youth could learn and practice the benefits of healthy food choices, and practice safe, food preparation skills.  Breathitt County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Kayla Watts, in partnership with the University of Kentucky SNAP Education program, conducted the 3-day Super Star Chef program for 10 youth in the Breathitt County community.  As a part of this program, the participants learned about food safety, learned how to create healthy meals for themselves and others, and practiced basic, food preparation skills.

Pre-and post-survey results indicated that 100% of the participants learned about creating meals; specifically, the components of meals such as proteins, fruits, and vegetables.  Participants also assessed themselves as to food preparation ability and how likely or unlikely they were to create certain foods once the class ended.  Overall, the class indicated as a whole, they were more confident in their food preparation abilities, and 100% of the participants indicated they were likely to eat more fruits and vegetables after the completion of the program.

The Super Star Chef program reached 10 different families in Breathitt County, most of which receive government/SNAP benefits.  Programs such as these are important, because youth learn how to plan meals and how to prepare foods properly that they and their family members can enjoy together.