In today’s fast paced society, parents are choosing convenience foods as an easy answer to mealtime.  Microwavable foods, pizza, and fast food now take the place of a healthy home cooked meal.

Working with the Oldham County 4-H Youth Development Agent and the 4-H assistant, the Oldham County Nutrition Education Program Assistant offered a 4-H Chef’s Club to 28 middle school students.  The 4-H Teen Cuisine Curriculum, provided by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service was used.

Using this curriculum, students learned how to plan and prepare nutritious meals, using “MY PLATE”.  Basic kitchen safety such as proper knife skills and avoiding cross contamination was taught.  Students also learned how to read and follow a recipe properly.

Students prepared several dishes using techniques they learned from the Teen Cuisine Curriculum.  Students received a recipe booklet and kitchen tools upon completion of the curriculum that would help them prepare healthy meals at home.  At the conclusion of the program, 96% of the youth showed improvements in 3 or more food selection behaviors and 89% adopted 2 or more food safety practices.  Several students prepared healthy, nutritious meals for their families.