The OSU Extension Nutrition Education Program / SNAP-Ed provides nutrition education and related physical activity education to youth, families and adults with researched based curriculum, interactive physical activity games, and nutrition enhanced cooking lessons. These activities are based on the current USDA Dietary Guidelines. The funding comes from the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Nutrition Education Program (SNAP-Ed). Our youth class participants in Bend include high percentages of youth qualifying for free and reduced meals.

One of our most successful and life-changing efforts is an after-school cooking class, Kids in the Kitchen. Through the seven lesson series, we are able to offer free cooking classes to fourth and fifth grade students at qualifying schools in Bend. Bend Boys and Girls Club youth also benefit from engaging garden enhanced nutrition education lessons at the Environmental Center's Kansas Avenue Learning Garden. We also work with English Language Learners during summer garden enrichment programming at other sites. Students have gained life long skills to prepare nutritious meals for themselves and their families.

We know that providing our students with skills and education impacts their food choices and willingness to try new foods, as well as empowers them to cook at home. The spices, cooking tools, and reinforcements students receive during our lessons stretch further than one cooking experience. They allow students to prepare healthy foods for themselves beyond our time together.