Health is one of the foundations of the 4-H pledge – it’s at the core of what we do. Through our healthy living programs, 4-H youth are learning how to lead lives that balance physical, emotional, and social health. They are learning not only how to make smart and healthy decisions for themselves but also to give back to their communities so their friends and families can do the same.

4-H youth are creating change with the issues that matter the most to young people today – nutrition, childhood obesity, drug awareness, bullying, safe driving, suicide prevention, decision-making, and stress management.

VCE’s “Teen Cuisine” Curriculum

Why Teen Cuisine?

By teaching teens the knowledge and skills required to make informed food and lifestyle choices, educators will be helping them to increase their confidence to apply these skills at home, which can lead to positive eating patterns and better health. “Teen Cuisine” is designed to teach youth from grades 6 to 12 important life skills to promote optimal health — both in the present and in the future.

Proven Results

In their 2016 evaluation, Price and co-workers determined:

• 76.4% of teens who completed the program reported changes in food choices.
• 80.9% improved knife skills and exhibited increased comfort when using a knife.
• 74.1% accurately used recipes when cooking.
• 84% cooked more

The Curriculum

Now in its third edition, this curriculum addresses key concepts about nutrition, food preparation and cooking, food safety, and physical activity using approaches and strategies that enhance learning and behavior change among teens.

There are six lessons in the Teen Cuisine curriculum:

• Lesson 1: Eat Smart
• Lesson 2: You Are What You Eat
• Lesson 3: Power Up with Breakfast
• Lesson 4: Find the Fat
• Lesson 5: Kick the Sugar Habit
• Lesson 6: Snack Attack

Each lesson consists of a variety of activities on: nutrition, food safety, food preparation, and physical activity.

Learn more

Introduction to the Teen Cuisine Program (PDF)

Order today!

Full Teen Cuisine Starter Curriculum $300
1 Leader Guide, 10 Student Workbooks, and dozens of visual resources.

Teen Cuisine Student Workbook (pack of 10) $210
Additional books for larger classes or for running more than one class using the same Leader Guide and resources purchased in the Full Teen Cuisine program.

Teen Cuisine Student Workbook (Spanish) (pack of 10) $210
Additional books for larger classes or for running more than one class using the same Leader Guides and resources purchased in the Full Teen Cuisine program.

Teen Cuisine Project Record Book (pack of 10) $150
A supplemental activity book, full of assignments for students to apply Teen Cuisine skills outside of class.
(not included in the Full Teen Cuisine Program sold above)