Xtreme Cuisine
The “Xtreme Cuisine Cooking School” introduces students aged 9 to 15 to
the world of cooking and good nutrition. One- and two-day classes are conducted
at various locations around the state of Florida. Students learn to prepare
whole-wheat pizzas, fruit parfaits and other nutritious and tasty treats.
They also learn how Florida fruit and vegetables used in these recipes
provide vitamins and minerals that can help prevent heart disease and other
obesity-related illnesses. In addition, students learn the dangers caused
by excessive amounts of salt, sugar and fats in their diet, and how fiber
could eliminate their desire for high-calorie, low-nutrition snack foods.
At the end of each session, students learn how many calories are needed
for their age and gender, the vitamin and mineral content of many Florida
fruit and vegetables, and how to read a food nutrition label. They also
receive recipe and nutritional brochures as well as an “Xtreme Cuisine”
certificate attesting to their skill in the preparation of healthy snacks.
With the increased number of children in this country being obese, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee has partnered with the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and the Florida Department of Agriculture to do Xtreme Cuisine Cooking Schools.
The Women’s Committee has completed numerous classes and looks forward to many more. The goal of the class is to give the kids some options to put some healthy snacks into their daily eating habits. Our hope is that by showing the kids that just by making a few small changes they can make a real difference in their future health. In the class the kids are taught how to use Fresh Florida Produce to make delicious and nutritious snacks. The kids as well as the Women’s Committee have been having a great time.
A big thanks to CF Industries, Driscoll Strawberry Associates and Ag-Mart Produce for their support in this project.
For more information about the program, please contact Michelle Williamson at women@hcfarmbureau.org or Judi Whitson at (813) 685-9121.