Teen Cuisine is an EFNEP program designed to teach youth from grades 6 to 12 important life skills to promote optimal health – both in the present and in the future. The curriculum addresses key concepts about nutrition, food preparation, cooking, food safety, and physical activity using approaches and strategies that enhance learning and behavior change among teens. Chrissy Barbrey, EFNEP Educator in Halifax County, just completed the series of Teen Cuisine classes at a local middle school. One hands-on activity the students were able to participate in was reading food labels to find how much added sugar is in some popular beverages.

Students worked in groups to read the label, calculate how many teaspoons of added sugar were in the beverages, and then measure out the amount of sugar into a measuring cup so they could compare! Students learned how to choose foods and beverages that are high in nutrients that their body needs and to watch out for empty calories from added sugars! Students were encouraged to start with small changes every day to make healthier choices.

-Lauren Morris, Regional Nutrition Extension Associate