Springer Mountain Farms proudly partnered with the White County, Georgia 4-H club during their recent grilling session by providing chicken along with fun swag for the kids. The series is part of the 4-H Healthy Living Program that targets mostly 5th & 6th graders but allows 4-Hers through high school to participate. Nathan Eason, the White County Extension Coordinator, shared “This after-school program teaches the basics of food preparation, meal planning, shopping affordably, and teaches the kids how to use kitchen equipment safely and properly. All of these skills will go a long way to contribute to them living healthier lives and combating the growing issues with childhood obesity and the early onset of diabetes.”

The local Extension Office has also realized that there are many families in the local community that are food insecure and don’t always have healthy food options for the dinner table. A secondary benefit of the Healthy Living Program is that the local club usually donates the food to local families in need and has dubbed the series Cooking to Share.

Georgia 4-H provides experiences for young people to learn by doing. 4-H’ers complete hands-on projects in the focus areas of Agriculture and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Healthy Living, and Civic Engagement. They receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Youth can experience 4-H in every county of the state through in-school and after-school programs, community clubs, project work, and 4-H camp.

To learn more about Georgia 4-H: https://georgia4h.org/