"Healthy Cooking with Kids"

The "Healthy Cooking with Kids" Program has been implemented through the Benicia Unified School District (BUSD) since August 2008. The program is possible thanks to a generous grant from Napa/Solano Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Program.

The original cooking program began in Santa Fe, New Mexico (www.cookingwithkids.net) almost 20 years ago and has received several national awards. The cooking and tasting program engages elementary school children in hands-on learning with fresh, affordable foods from diverse cultures to improve children’s nutrition.

The BUSD “Healthy Cooking with Kids” Nutrition Education Program focuses on dishes from different regions of the world. The program also follows the Harvest of the Month curriculum. The curriculum includes lesson plans, instruction for hands-on food preparation, delicious recipes for classroom use, food history and nutrition information, student activities, recipes to take home, and much more.

The “Healthy Cooking with Kids” program’s objectives are to:
• Introduce, explore, and reinforce healthy food choices.
• Identify and explore the five senses.
• Explore food journals.
• Explore healthy foods through hands-on activities.
• Practice food preparation skills.
• Practice literacy skills.
• Practice cooperation skills