Learning about food and healthy eating
Help children learn about food and healthy eating by inviting them into the kitchen. Locate recipes, activities and guidelines to use when cooking with kids.
Here are some great resources.
National Network for Child Care.
A collection of recipes with links to information on feeding kids and tips on how children can help in the preparation.
PBS Kids.
On the Activity Guide page of this site, scroll down to "Recipes" to view recipes to create with young children and learn ways cooking together can benefit a child's development.
California Department of Health Services.
Find information on the cooking abilities of young children, safety tips, recipes and more.
Chef Combo's Fantastic Adventures® in Tasting & Nutrition
National Dairy Council.
This is a program designed to teach simple nutrition concepts through a variety of cooking and tasting experiences to 4 and 5 year old students.
National Network For Child Care.
Help children learn to prepare meals. Lists food preparation activities appropriate for children 2-5.
Kids Can Cook – and Learning Is the Secret Ingredient! (PDF|200 KB)
Penn State Cooperative Extension. Better Kid Care Program. Caring for Kids Newsletter.
Newsletter covering tips and ideas for cooking with young children, recipes, and age-appropriate kitchen skill activities.
National Food Service Management Institute.
This nutrition education curriculum provides both staff and children with enjoyable activities that encourage positive ideas about nutrition and foods. The 54 lessons are built around the seasons of the year. Children will use these age-appropriate activities to learn about growth, nutrition and preparation of foods.
Cooking Super Star Meals with Kids
Oregon Department of Education.
This lesson plan from Super Star Nutrition for Kids teaches family day care providers how to conduct cooking activities with young children.