Practical living classes are dwindling in our schools today. Some youth, are unaware of how to cook a

simple healthy meal for themselves. They often make microwavable prepackaged quick fix meals.

 Most prepackaged meals are filled with high sodium, fats and many calories, which can be unhealthy.

The Boone County Snap-Ed Nutrition Education Program Assistant collaborated with the Brighton

Centers Youth Leadership Group at RA Jones Middle School to present the Teen Cuisine nutrition series.

Fifteen Middle School youth learned knife skills, food safety, how to follow a recipe, prepare and 

cook simple healthy meals using the MyPlate method. 

According to a summary of exit questionnaires, 83% of students in the program improved their abilities to

choose healthier foods in accordance to Federal Dietary recommendations.

The youth were amazed at how easy and fun it was to create a meal.   One participant said "I cant wait to 

show my Mom what I learned, One Pot Spaghetti is awesome, I can make dinner for her now."

That same child, went home and told his mom about what he learned in the class. The following month

his mother attended the Adult version of the Nutrition series at the Cooperative Extension Service 

office.  She said "since her son started coming to the leadership group class, they have began cooking 

meals together at home."  What a great way to spend time with our children. Learning life skills that 

they can build on years to come.