Veggie Pita Pockets, Fruit salsa, and Tic-Tac-Taco-Mix are just a few tasty recipes prepared by area kids this past week during University of Illinois Extension’s Illinois Junior Chefs program at First Missionary Baptist Church. Illinois Junior Chefs is a cooking school developed and taught by Illinois Nutrition Education Programs team members through five hands-on lessons. Lessons focus on healthy food choices and important cooking skills that will stick with them for years to come. “Children are more willing to try foods new to them if they help prepare and cook it.” said INEP Community Worker, Patsy Bishop.  Illinois Junior Chefs is a hands-on, interactive program that students love! Students received a certificate and cookbook with all of the recipes and important educational handouts to take home and share with their families.

One mother of a participant told me that last night they cooked dinner together that she was really impressed with the way her daughter handled a knife. The best part was she didn't cut herself. Her daughter was standing by us during the time the mother was telling me. The girl held up her fingers and said: "Look no band-aides."

University of Illinois Extension’s Illinois Nutrition Education Programs provides nutrition education and healthy living classes to Illinois individuals and families. For more information, contact your local county extension office by phone or for more details, in Anna 833-6363, Metropolis 524-2270, Mounds 745-5200, and Vienna 658-5321. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any of our programs, please contact your local county extension office.  Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs.