March is National Nutrition Month, and the University of Illinois Extension and 4-H have a fun opportunity to enhance youth cooking skills. When it comes to nutrition and health, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We are putting together educational cooking kits designed to inspire the inner chef, help youth gain confidence while working in the kitchen, and educate youth about healthful eating plans.

This project is ideal for families to work on together or for youth with cooking experience.

Youth will learn to make either hummus or a chickpea salad wrap and how to individualize the recipes to fit their family's needs.

The cost is $5 per educational kit. It includes the March "I Made That!" booklet, a sensory evaluation, fun recipes with chickpeas to get you started, and a reusable 8" 4-section MyPlate! Kits will be available for pick-up the second week in March at one of our Extension offices in Jo Daviess, Stephenson & Winnebago Counties. Register early to reserve your educational kit while supplies last. Call our office at 815-235-4125 or visit online at go.illinois.edu/jswIMadeThat.

Diane Reinhold is a University of Illinois Extension, Nutrition and Wellness Educator, and registered dietitian. For more about upcoming programming on nutrition and wellness, visit go.illinois.edu/jsw or call (815) 235-4125.