Cooking classes promote nutrition
By BEN SIMMONS, Staff WriterArticle Photos
West Virginia has one of the highest rates of obesity in the nation. To help educate children about the growing concern, Philippi Main Street Committee received a grant through the Department of Health and Human Resources' Office of Healthy Lifestyles to host cooking classes and other activities for elementary school-aged youth.
Tammy Stemple, director of the Philippi Main Street Committee, said the organization has started implementing a "Healthy Living Initiative" to focus on promoting nutrition and exercise. Currently, 23 kids are participating.
"We really want to get younger children involved in making good healthy food choices and cooking," Stemple said. "We think it's important because it gives families a chance for their kids to be able to make good food choices and to learn to cook together. They cook together, they eat together and they clean up together. We're trying to increase the focus on the family. All of our activities focus on the families."
At the Nov. 24 class, students made mashed butternut squash and glazed pear-topped pancakes using locally grown ingredients. Students were paired with individual instructors, who helped them cook the meal.
"We're trying to focus everything on locally grown produce," Stemple said. "The kids prepare everything from scratch."
As part of the criteria for the grant, the Philippi City Gym is also open on Sunday evenings for the kids who want to participate in the project, Stemple said. A "Fun Family Challenge" will begin in April for any families wanting to participate. The 60-day event will focus on healthful activities to promote family bonding.
Stemple said several organizations are collaborating for the project including Davis Health System, West Virginia University Extension Office, the City of Philippi, the Barbour County Senior Center and Alderson-Broaddus College. She said several volunteers have also contributed time by working with the students.
WVU Extension Agent Barbara Wolfe said healthy living is part of her organization's mission.
"Healthy Living is part of our initiative with 4-H and Health-H and what we do with diabetes," Wolfe said. "I've really enjoyed watching the kids and the parents. The kids just love cooking and working with the foods. It's been a lot of fun."
Davis Health System Dietitian Eloise Hollen developed the menus for the kids to use during the cooking classes. She said teaching the kids how to choose a more healthful meal is important for combating diabetes and obesity.
"We have such a growing incidence of diabetes and we're seeing it in much younger people," Hollen said. "I want to do whatever I can to prevent that. This goes right along with what Davis Health System is about, trying to keep the community well."
The Healthy Living Initiative will host more cooking classes beginning next spring. Reservations are required. To learn more about the program, call Stemple at 304-457-3700.
