TV Show, Curriculum Keep Kansas Kids a Cookin' and Movin'
Deb Evans, Fredonia Middle School teacher, uses curriculum developed by K-State to show her students healthy and fun ways to prepare snacks and meals.
When her students get excited about eating fruit in class, Deb Evans figures she’s doing her job.
For the past two years, Evans – a family and consumer sciences (FCS) and physical education teacher at Fredonia Middle School – has used curriculum developed by Kansas State University and its production of the television program, Kids a Cookin’.
The show features a Kansas kid – sometimes as young as 4 years old – preparing a simple recipe with the show’s adult host. The food they prepare tastes great and is healthy, too.
"I have used the Kids a Cookin’ program in my 7th and 8th grade FCS classes and with special needs students for the past couple of years," Evans said. "Last year, I used the videos and recipes that were provided through a team nutrition grant that encouraged students to eat more fruits and vegetables."
Evans said her students at Fredonia Middle School prepared six recipes and "liked every one," though their favorite was the fruit dip with fresh fruit. They had "success and fun in the kitchen while also learning ways to make healthier eating choices," she said.
"The students benefited by learning simple recipes that they could make at home for themselves or their family," Evans said. "They also learned to make simple, healthy snack recipes that could improve their eating habits and promote healthy lifestyles."
The show is produced in English and Spanish for K-State Research and Extension’s Family Nutrition Program (FNP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food stamp nutrition education program through
a contract awarded by the Kansas
Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.
The show targets limited income individuals and families, and it has been distributed broadly across the state.
In fall 2005, K-State’s Department of Communications released a new version of the program, called Kids a Cookin’ and Movin’, which encourages basic cooking skills, good nutrition, healthy food choices, food safety, and physical activity. The newer materials include curriculum, tours to help kids make healthy eating choices, food quizzes, and more. Each program also is shown with closed captioning.
The show is distributed through
K-State Research and Extension FNP offices across Kansas.
"It has had a positive influence on
my FCS curriculum," Evans said. "My principal was very supportive and encouraged me to keep Kids a Cookin’
in my 6th grade curriculum this school year."
Julie Voelker, a mother whose daughters attend North Lawn Elementary School in Neodesha, thinks the show’s greatest impact is in the classroom materials.
"My daughter, Tina, was lucky enough to participate in the TV program. Courtney, my other daughter, was able to participate using the classroom workbook," she said.
Voelker said Neodesha is a community of mainly working-class parents who may not have the time to devote to good food preparation.
She noted: "The Kids a Cookin’ materials really target easy snacks that kids can fix themselves."
Kathy Walsten
785-532-1676
walsten@k-state.edu
Better Health Habits
About 125 Shawnee County third- and fourth-graders were visited last year by "Professor Popcorn," a K-State Research and Extension nutritionist who was teaching about the USDA's Food Guide and the benefits of exercise. A survey of the students indicated that 15 percent were eating more fruits, vegetables, and dairy products; and 16 percent were more physically active.
Lisa Martin
785-232-0062
Save and Build Wealth
The Kansas Saves campaign, sponsored by K-State Research and Extension and local community partners, is part of a nationwide effort to boost savings. Participating communities feature information and local activities on how to build savings and how to reduce or manage debt wisely.
Carol Young
785-532-5773
Clarifying Medicare Options
K-State Research and Extension agents have made hundreds of presentations and answered thousands of phone calls to help people understand the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program. Agents and volunteers also manned the Senior Health Insurance Counselor for Kansas (SHICK) hot line 1-800-860-5260.
Mary Lou Odle
785-309-5850