The University of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program expanded their SNAP education nutrition efforts during the summer of 2014 with a fun new program. Teams of trained instructors traveled to a different location each week to provide learning opportunities for limited resource youth ages 9-18. In total, four teams of instructors traveled each week reaching a total of 32 delivery sites and approximately 800 youth.
The teams provided nutrition education in various settings including housing authorities, schools, 4-H camps and extension offices around the state. The Kentucky Cooperative Extension Super Star Chef curriculum was utilized to teach the classes. The curriculum includes basic cooking, nutrition and food safety. During the fun, hands on learning experiences, youth were able to taste the recipes they prepared. Participants also received cooking utensils and recipe books to take home to use in their own kitchen.
Jeannie Najor, May 2014 graduate with a Master of Science in Dietetics and Human Nutrition served as one of the group leaders. She commented, “Watching the youth excel each week was an exceptionally rewarding experience. Kids were not only willing to learn but also excited to learn how to cook and eat healthy.”
County Extension agents were excited to host the teaching teams and gave favorable comments about the program. Judith O-Bryan, Laurel County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences shared, “I was quite impressed with the group that came to our county. All the teachers were knowledgeable, excellent with the kids and presented a great program. We have already received several requests to do the program again.” Glenna Coleman, Lee County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development remarked, “This was an excellent day camp opportunity and I am glad our county was able to participate. The kids loved the program and the traveling group adjusted to the specific needs of our group quite well.”