4-H culinary camp connects healthy food and agriculture

Allison Leo UF/Leon County Extension

Published 9:06 p.m. UTC Aug 2, 2018

Knowing how to cook and being comfortable in the kitchen is an important life skill that has enduring benefits. On June 12 and 13 of this year, Leon County 4-H hosted a culinary day camp for middle and high school age kids that had a unique twist of educating youth about Florida produce and local agriculture, in addition to culinary techniques.

We wanted to host a camp that provided foundational cooking skills but took things a step further by building a connection between local farms and our kitchens. Fresh for Florida Kids Chef, Paula Kendrick, from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, co-lead the camp. The two-day culinary camp incorporated educational lessons and activities on Florida-grown produce, while providing youth with valuable cooking techniques.

During the culinary camp, youth visited Full Earth Farm in Quincy, Florida. Owners Katie Harris and Aaron Suko warmly welcomed the group to their farm, where they provided the youth with an educational tour.

Youth learned about Florida seasonality, benefits of composting, and how local farms provide fresh produce to businesses and homes in our area.

Just as we were leaving the farm, Katie handed us a box of fresh summer squash to deliver to our next stop, Damfino’s Cafe and Market. Damfino’s sources local products for their menu items. Owner Lucy and Chef Max spoke to the group about their restaurant’s mission of connecting our local community to our local farmers.

“The students got to visit a Florida farm, eat at a local Florida farm-to-table restaurant, and learn how to handle and cook fresh Florida produce. I love helping them to make that farm-to-table connection, while teaching them about Florida agriculture. Cooking is one of the best ways to actually get them to try new things and to understand the importance of healthy eating and nutrition,” said Chef Paula.

Leon County 4-H offers a culinary club year-round, along with a variety of other clubs. To learn more about the youth development opportunities offered by Leon County 4-H, please join them during the Leon County 4-H Open House on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leon County Extension Office, located at 615 Paul Russell Road.

Allison Leo is a 4-H Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Leon County. For gardening questions, email the extension office at AskAMasterGardener@ifas.ufl.edu.