When I think of the USDA, I think of food safety laws and “certified” organic foods. But unsurprisingly, the USDA’s outreach includes many other areas, like children education programs. I have been fortunate enough to participate in an USDA education program called Team Nutrition Cooks! I worked in one of three schools around the country that were selected to pilot the program.
Team Nutrition Cooks! is a series of activities to teach children ages 8-12 basic cooking skills. Along with cooking, basic nutrition education was included about the ingredients in the recipe. The recipes began simple, with making homemade apple sauce, then progressed to more difficult recipes like grain bowls and corn and zucchini pancakes (a personal favorite). After the class was over, children were given handouts with the recipe and encouraged to make it at home with their families. This program not only got kids cooking new foods, but tasting new foods as well. Because it was a pilot program, analysts from the USDA interviewed the children before and after to test what they learned and if they enjoyed the activities. We have not heard anything back about the program, but I’m sure it was a hit!
Team Nutrition Cooks! is a series of activities to teach children ages 8-12 basic cooking skills. Along with cooking, basic nutrition education was included about the ingredients in the recipe. The recipes began simple, with making homemade apple sauce, then progressed to more difficult recipes like grain bowls and corn and zucchini pancakes (a personal favorite). After the class was over, children were given handouts with the recipe and encouraged to make it at home with their families. This program not only got kids cooking new foods, but tasting new foods as well. Because it was a pilot program, analysts from the USDA interviewed the children before and after to test what they learned and if they enjoyed the activities. We have not heard anything back about the program, but I’m sure it was a hit!
