“Operation Cook” Project Club learns healthy habits

Every month a group of 4-H’ers in fourth through sixth grade get together to learn about healthy lifestyles while incorporating basic culinary skills and being motivated into trying new foods.
The group is part of the “Operation Cook” Project Club. With the help of teen leaders they cook two healthy recipes, take part in a physical activity, and learn about the importance of keeping a healthy lifestyle.
The 4-H group’s goal is to have youth try new foods and find new flavors. For this reason, recipes that use ingredients like couscous, barley and dates are incorporated.
Teen leaders are key components of this club. They help the young chefs with their cooking techniques each class and take the time to put together an educational lesson to teach at each class. Ashton Landry (Centerville High School) has been a leader for the project club for several years and has brought in all the experience and leadership from her Louisiana 4-H Food and Fitness Board activities. Kaeley Hill (Berwick High), McKaila Darden (Centerville High) and Rhea Patureau (Morgan City High) have provided help and guidance.