Preparing students for life is goal of New Orleans workshop

(06/09/21) NEW ORLEANS — A group of 10 teenagers from throughout the city spent all day June 2 learning valuable life skills at the Orleans Parish 4-H Healthy Living Workshop.

LSU AgCenter 4-H youth development agent Alisha Okoro, who conducted the workshop, said the 13 to 18 age group is sometimes overlooked, and she wanted to do something about that.

“We spend a lot of time working with the fourth through sixth grade age group, but I felt this group needed some help also,” she said.

The workshop focused on applying MyPlate to meal and snack planning, reading and following a recipe, identifying cooking terms and equipment, and the importance of incorporating physical activity into their daily routine.

“This workshop was made possible by a grant provided by the Wal-Mart Foundation, which covered our Chef Club expenses for the year and it paid for this workshop,” she said.

Following the classroom session and an hour of yoga exercises, the students were ready to try their hand at cooking their own lunch.

Chef Angela Wilson and Chef Tasheena Butler, with Delgado Community College culinary department, assisted the young ladies in preparing their lunch.

“I’m a product of the St. Charles Parish 4-H Club, so this is a great opportunity for me to give back to an organization that has been so helpful to me,” Wilson said.

Christine Annstasi, culinary advisor from Delgado, said she came to teach the students the rules of etiquette.

“While the food may look good, we want to make sure the table looks good as well,” she said.

The workshop was advertised on the Orleans Parish 4-H Facebook page and was open to any 13- to 18-year-old.

Okoro said she plans to apply for the grant again this year to keep the program going.

For more information, visit the Orleans Parish 4-H Chef Club Facebook page.


Woman teaching a class.

LSU AgCenter 4-H youth development agent Alisha Okoro teaches a lesson from the Teen Cuisine curriculum during the Orleans Parish 4-H Healthy Living Workshop held on June 2. Photo by Johnny Morgan/LSU AgCenter

Students listening to a chef.

Chef Angela Wilson, chair of the Delgado Community College culinary department gives students their instructions for the lunch they prepared during the Orleans Parish 4-H Healthy Living Workshop held on June 2. Photo by Johnny Morgan/LSU AgCenter

Woman teaching girls to cook.

Chef Tasheena Butler from Delgado Community College helps students prepare their lunch during the Orleans Parish 4-H Healthy Living Workshop held on June 2. Photo by Johnny Morgan/LSU AgCenter.

6/9/2021 3:31:23 PM
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