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The East Suffolk Recreation Center has partnered with Virginia Cooperative Extension to host a six-week Teen Cuisine program.

The program, which runs through April 6, will give kids ages 11-17 the opportunity to learn more about healthy eating and kitchen safety.

“The program will be teaching participants how to create healthy and nutritious meals as well as general nutrition. For example, what types of fruits and vegetables have certain nutrients in them,” said ChiNiese Williams, the recreation specialist over youth and teen programs. “And of course, they get to eat the dish that they have created at the end of class.”

Program directors hope that by teaching participants the skills required to make informed food and lifestyle choices, as well as working in the kitchen safely, they will gain more confidence applying these skills at home. The classes will be taught by Beverly Johnson, program assistant for Food, Nutrition and Health at the Virginia Cooperative Extension.

This class is also a great way for students to dip their toes into the world of culinary arts.

“This program gives participants the opportunity to see that there are opportunities in the workforce of culinary arts, and help them to decide if that is a career they may want to pursue,” said Williams.

The event is free to those who have a current annual membership with the recreation center. The membership will also apply to all other events and amenities offered at the center. Participants in the Teen Cuisine program will receive their own chef’s hat and apron.

For information, contact ChiNiese Williams at ctwilliams@suffolkva.us.