4‑H Food Smart Families helps to create food secure homes by teaching youth from families with limited resources how to shop for and cook nutritious meals on a budget. Using a variety of commonly available foods, instructors teach participants basic cooking skills and nutrition facts. The programming includes family events and participants receive groceries to take home and practice their new skills.
More than 400 youth trained to be Teens as Teachers, serving as role models and mentors.
Positive changes in youth behavior as a result of 4‑H Food Smart Families:
- 90 percent of youth participants now think being active is fun and good for fitness
- 89 percent now encourage their families to eat meals together
- 87 percent said their families have purchased healthier foods
- 86 percent now eat fruit for a snack over unhealthier options
State Spotlight
Ohio
Ohio 4‑H implements 4‑H Healthy Living programming focused on nutrition, cooking and food budgeting. Programming took parts in Medina, Summit and Franklin counties and offered more intensive cooking programs at local after-school centers, as well as programming based on increased water consumption and health snack...
Wisconsin
Dane County UW -Extension partnered with Centro Hispano’s after school program for high school students called Escalera. This program provided services to Latino youth in grade 9-12 to promote economic mobility through increasing academic achievement, facilitating career planning and providing information about advanced careers. Teen...
Ohio
Ohio 4‑H implements 4‑H Healthy Living programming focused on nutrition, cooking and food budgeting. Programming took parts in Medina, Summit and Franklin counties and offered more intensive cooking programs at local after-school centers, as well as programming based on increased water consumption and health snack preparation, among other topics. Ohio prepared 47 Teens to be Teachers.
Wisconsin
Dane County UW -Extension partnered with Centro Hispano’s after school program for high school students called Escalera. This program provided services to Latino youth in grade 9-12 to promote economic mobility through increasing academic achievement, facilitating career planning and providing information about advanced careers. Teen teachers lead session with youth in English and Spanish and was able to communicate the valuable skills they learn from the 4‑H Food Smart Families to future employers.
4‑H Youth at the White House
4-H youth met with President Obama to discuss how they’re fighting childhood hunger and rural poverty in their communities.Food Smart Families in Arizona and Florida
4‑H Food Smart Families is generously supported by:
Shop 4-H Healthy Living Curriculum
From food science to fitness, Shop 4‑H offers a variety of healthy living curriculum.
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