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KIDS COOK!
Southern Maryland
Kids Cook! is a project that will serve as a pilot program to initiate and enhance existing elementary education programs in the
Southern Maryland
region. This program is designed to excite and motivate children about the connection between tasty foods, nutrition, long-term health benefits and the support of local agriculture.
The program can provide an opportunity for learning on many fronts, among them, nutrition, health, reading and mathematical skills through marketing and recipe preparation, environmental and social sciences, and more – all of which can be tailored to achieve specific school and state educational standards.
The program is designed to emphasize these values through hands-on activities which may involve a field trip to a farmers’ market with a chef, purchase of local, fresh farm goods, ideally a farm tour, and perhaps most excitingly for the children – preparation and consumption of those farm goods with or by the chef. Parents will be encouraged to participate where possible. Children who complete the program will be given one-time-only “chits” or “coupons” that their family can use to purchase local products at participating farmers’ markets or farm stands.
Schools – How can you get involved?
We can help coordinate a field trip for you to a farm, farmers’ market that involves cooking with local food professionals such as chefs, caterers, or students from local cooking schools.
In May of 2003, two schools in St. Mary’s county visited local farms, farmers market, and an Amish bakery. The children all prepared and tasted the foods that had been purchased. Here are some of the comments from participants:
“Agriculture has matured just like everything else in this area. The average age of the tobacco farmer is 65…the younger generation needs to know what farms are all about,” Danny Mayer, Charles County Commissioner—Kickoff event
“I’ve never been to a farm before. I liked seeing the chickens and picking strawberries; I’ve never picked strawberries before. This is the best field trip I’ve been on in years!” Maggie Gaydar,
St.
Michaels
School
“We should save the farms because they’re disappearing. We learned how you need to help by buying from them so farmers have enough money,” Jaime Branaman,
Hollywood
Elementary School
“I’ve seen a lot of farms, but I’ve never been on one until now,” Emily Gage,
St.
Michaels
School
“These strawberries are better than the ones in the store. You can eat them right off the plant! You know it’s gonna be good because it’s fresh from the farm,” Anthony Branch,
St.
Michaels
School
“These strawberries are juicier than store bought, unless you put sugar on those,” Elliot Felsher,
St.
Michaels
School
“I liked when we saw the Amish farm. My aunt and uncle are Amish, but I’ve never asked them that many questions. One Amish girl said living their life is hard…it’s hot in the summer and sometimes very cold in the winter,” Sequoyah Smollek,
Hollywood
Elementary School
Libraries – How can you get involved?
We can co-host an educational event designed to educate children and their families about the importance of supporting the local farm economy and the nutritional value of consuming fresh, local farm goods.
In December 2003, the St. Mary’s County Library decided to make this year’s children’s Christmas party a “Traditional Country -- From the Farm Christmas”, thus on the evening of December 17, we co-hosted the St. Mary’s County Library Christmas party. This event showcased seasonal foods and holiday craft activities using materials from
Southern Maryland
farms, and illustrated the importance of supporting the local farm community.
Click here for a complete info packet on the KIDS COOK program.
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