How You’re Helping Us Empower Kids

OFS recently launched its signature nutrition-focused, hands-on cooking course, Operation CHEF: Building Culinary Habits to Empower Families. With the generous support of donors like you and partners like Area Resources for Community Human Services (ARCHS), students from ages eight through 12 are able to take part in this fun, educational afterschool program. During the six-week courses, nutrition education is incorporated into every recipe, discussion and cooking lesson.

The program covers topics such as eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, increasing whole grain intake and understanding MyPlate nutrition guidelines. “We are thrilled to see how the kids engage in these lessons,” says OFS Manager of Nutrition Education Programs Carmen Berry. “They even talk about ‘eating rainbows’ when we teach them the importance of selecting fruits and vegetables with a range of colors.” Through the use of hands-on and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) focused educational activities, the students have fun while learning about cooking and nutrition. OFS also offers nutrition education programs to low-income kids, teens, families, parents and adults which focus on how to plan, shop and prepare healthy meals that are affordable and delicious.

Students are currently enrolled in Operation CHEF at local elementary and middle schools, including St. Louis Public Schools and Jennings School District, as well as Boys and Girls Clubs. We hope you will continue to support our efforts to teach kids how to get—and stay—healthier by building better food skills!