4-H FOOD PROJECT CONTINUES IN POPULARITY

The 4-H Food project continues to be popular in 92 counties across Indiana. In fact, it ranks within the top five 4-H projects for most counties.

In Wells County, nearly 100 youth participated in the 4-H Food project last year.

Youth learn a wide variety of life skills in the project. The 4-H Food project books are divided into chapters (bites) and cover nutrition, food safety, preserving / storing and baking and cooking. Each chapter has hands on activities can be done at home or in a club meeting.

Youth can exhibit in prepared (baked) or preserved (freezing or canning) or they may do an action demonstration.

The prepared exhibits are the most popular. These exhibits at the fair begin with cookies in grade three and progress through muffins, cakes, biscuits, pretzels, yeast rolls, yeast breads, creative snacks, pies, and international foods.

One of the things that has made the project successful is that kids love to make their exhibit and see how it tastes. They can then try different ways to improve it to get the best results.

Youth are also trying different ways to make food healthier such as reduced sugar and fats.

Membership in 4-H is open to boys and girls when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Each individual may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years.

Youth in grades 1 and 2 may join Mini 4-H which also includes a foods project option.

For more information about 4-H, contact the Purdue Extension Service ñ Wells County Office at 260-824-6412 or attend the 4-H Open House Saturday, February 19th, 8 AM ñ 12 Noon at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton.