Cooking with a Chef

Cooking with a Chef was created to promote healthy eating behaviors among caregivers by teaching basic nutrition and food preparation skills. A chef/dietitian team collaborated on lively, interactive cooking lessons emphasizing culinary skills and hands-on learning. Lessons were conducted in 2-hour weekly sessions for 6 consecutive weeks. Data were collected pre and post intervention using a 24-hour Food Recall, Food Behavior Checklist, and program evaluation. Cooking with A Chef had a positive effect on food-related behaviors of caregivers, suggesting that this model program is an opportunity to reach low-income families. A long-term follow-up evaluation is needed.