Culinary Adventures come to FUESD After School Programs

FALLBROOK – Exciting culinary adventures are to come for the students of Fallbrook Union Elementary School District, thanks to a driven group of district team members. This group of secretaries, classroom aids, playground supervisors, cafeteria assistants and more have embarked on an exciting culinary training program, "Kitchenistas."

"Kitchenistas" is a successful cooking and nutrition education program from Olivewood Gardens in National City. Lilly Perez, Director of Expanded Learning, discovered their program and knew she wanted to bring the Kitchenistas to Fallbrook.

The program is designed to teach participants how to make positive lifestyle changes and learn to prepare healthy and delicious meals. These classes will prepare them to teach students healthy eating habits and how they can be a leader in the kitchen. They plan to start these student cooking sessions with the FUESD Afterschool Program.

Child Nutrition Services Director Amy Haessly is excited about the future opportunities the "Kitchenistas" will bring to the district. Haessly said, "Food is one of the few daily constants of our students' lives. We are excited to empower them to lead in the kitchen and learn healthy recipes and eating habits they can share with their families and community. These lessons reinforce what they see offered in our cafeterias every day. Choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables is healthy and delicious!"

These future FUESD "Kitchenistas" will be awarded certificates of completion and Food Handlers licenses at the end of the eight-week program.

Submitted by Fallbrook Union Elementary School District.