According to the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS), 43% of all food spending in 2012 was on food away from home, compared to just 25% in 1970. Foods prepared away from home are higher in calories, total fat, and saturated fat and lower in calcium, fiber, and iron. Although there are many reasons why away-from-home food is the foundation of many American’s diets, one factor is the decline in cooking skills. That is why Teen Cuisine aims to empower teens to adopt healthier lifestyles by teaching them the knowledge and skills needed to prepare nutritious and delicious snacks and meals at home.

In addition to cooking skills, the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that nutrition professionals and educators: teach skills, such as meal planning and label reading; help youth develop plans to limit screen time and time spent being sedentary; and increase physical activity among individuals they work with. By teaching teens the knowledge and skills required to make informed food and lifestyle choices, educators will be helping them to increase their confidence to apply these skills at home, which can lead to positive eating patterns and better health.

Hancock County 4-H partnered with the Youth Service Center and offered Virtual Teen Cuisine 4-H Culinary Arts Club. The club meetings were held virtually Monday evenings. The members were sent home with the recipes and grocery/kitchen items each Monday from school. The member were taught different kitchen safety and cooking techniques along with nutrition lessons for the accompanying foods. The members worked simultaneously in their own family kitchens and completed the recipes and shared with their family members.

At the conclusion of the club meetings and lessons, a written survey was completed. The following information was revealed:

*90% learned how to read a recipe

*100% learned how to measure properly

*90% learned the proper way to hold a knife for slicing

*100% gained self-confidence in the kitchen

*100% learned why and how to wash and sanitize hands before working in kitchen.

In addition to the virtual club meetings, the club members planted a salsa garden at the middle school. They were taught basic gardening and will work for the summer to maintain and harvest from the garden.