Kids in the Kitchen Workshop held at Prairie View A&M University

August, 2014

“Kids in the Kitchen Workshop” held at Prairie View A&M University Just recently a group of 4-H members and kiddos from several local schools, participated in a “Kids in the Kitchen Workshop” series. By working in small teams, fourth through eight graders experimented with preparing delicious and nutritious breads, snacks and entrees. The three-day camp was held in May Hall on the campus of Prairie View A&M University.

The series mission is, “To help youth gain food preparation skills and expand their knowledge of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) My Plate Dietary Guidelines,” said AgriLife, FCS County Extension Agent Lynna Wright. In addition, youth learn food safety skills.

Youth are able to try their hands at preparing, evaluating, and testing three new recipes each day! “Learning how to zest a lime,” was a highlight for 7th grader Ayesha Smith. The lime zest was used in the Mango Chicken Salad they had prepared earlier that day. “I didn’t know it [zesting lime] was possible, Smith said.

Giggling as they were preparing the Apple Cinnamon Wrap, Cassidy Barker and Anna Gunderson indicated they were having a good time preparing the recipes provided by the FCS Extension Agents.

Using applied math skills, students

Figure 1: Cassidy Barker (left) and Anna Gunderson (right) use measuring tools to prepare their recipe

measured ingredients with measuring spoons and measuring cups, making sure to calculate the exact portions needed for their recipes. An added boost to participating in the “hands-on” camp was sampling, evaluating and critiquing each recipe! Yum! As they learned about fruits, whole grain, vegetables, and other benefits of physical activity and a healthy diet, the students used their applied math skills in calculating how many teaspoons were in a tablespoon, as well as how many ounces were in one cup, among other computations required for testing their three recipes a day.

Analyzing how to create a healthy diet, incorporating physical activity each day, as well as preparing healthy foods were the cornerstones of the camp. Healthy eating tips were practiced daily and nutritional benefits of fruits and grain were incorporated into their diets. Students also made Apple Cinnamon Wraps, using apples and tortillas. The aroma of apples and cinnamon filled the corridors of May Hall. Teen volunteer Samantha Franklin was assisting the youth in one of the four kitchen work centers. “It’s fun to cook and help the younger ones learn,” she said.

Frequently held in August, students can sign-up each year at the Waller County Extension Office to participate in the camp. “Lynna Wright recruits kids into the program,” said the Cooperative Extension Program, FCS County Extension Agent TeAnna Reed.

Planning, organizing, making decisions, and working in a team structured environment are essential skills needed by all youths.

By participating in this annual workshop, youth are able to learn about healthy living initiatives, calculate and measure ingredients, and implement and apply the USDA Dietary Guidelines to their lives. These guidelines Figure 2: Ms. Lynna Wright (left), talks to Jadyn Smith (middle) and can be used by individuals Cate Franklin (far right) about preparations. ages two and up to help people make better choices as they live healthier and longer lives. It’s suggested that people select foods from each food group, practice making healthy choices, as they balance physical activity and food intake.

“It’s a fun-filled learning event that’s open to everyone, ages 8-14 years of age,” said Reed.

Participants:

For more information Contact:

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Ayeshia Smith, Hempstead Middle School Emma Tompkins, Schultz Junior High School Cassidy Barker, Labay Middle School Anna Gunderson, Waller Junior High School Jadyn Smith, Hempstead Elementary School

Youth Volunteers: Joice A. Jeffries, Ph.D. Program Specialist 4-H and Youth Development jojeffries@pvamu.edu Phone: 936.261.5102 Fax: 936.261.5143

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Cate Franklin (Home-school student, Hempstead) Samantha Franklin (Home-school student, Hempstead)

Waller County Extension Office: Family and Consumer Sciences County Extension Agents 846 6th St., Hempstead, TX 77445, Phone: 979.826.7651  

TeAnna Reed (tlreed@ag.tamu.edu), Cooperative Extension Program - FCS County Extension Agent and Lynna Wright (lwright@ag.tamu.edu ), AgriLife - FCS County Extension Agent

Figure 3: FCS Agents Lynna Wright (left) and TeAnna Reed (right) provide guidance to youth during workshops.

The Cooperative Extension Program serves people of all ages regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status. (Not all classes are protected by legal statutes).