Wyoming’s Food, Fun & 4-H Program Inspires Young Chefs Across the State

A new twist on a traditional 4-H project area has inspired culinary adventures in Wyoming kitchens across the state.

Designed to help young chefs hone their cooking skills at home, the Food, Fun & 4-H program provides monthly recipes, cooking utensils and informational materials to Wyoming 4-H members.

Launched in November 2022 with funding from the Ellbogen Foundation, the program is coordinated by University of Wyoming Extension educators Kellie Chichester, of Niobrara County; Joddee Jacobsen, of Natrona County; Erin Persche, of Weston County; and Mary Louise Wood, of Park County.

Food, Fun & 4-H is open to all Wyoming 4-H members at no cost -- aside from groceries -- to participants. The program runs through May, and new participants are welcome to join at any time.

“It’s self-paced and meant to get our young people in the kitchen preparing their own home-cooked meals, trying new recipes from around the world, honing their communication skills and, most importantly, having fun cooking with family,” Jacobsen says.

The program has been a big hit, with 70 to 80 families consistently participating each month, she says.

Participants prepare at least two of the dishes in each monthly recipe packet. They then submit a short post-lesson report and photos of their cooking adventures. Fulfillment of these requirements qualifies them to receive the next month’s utensil kit.

Recipe packets include a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet, as well as a document with tips for parents and other sous chefs.

Wyoming Food, Fun & 4-H is modeled on a program developed by Oklahoma State University Extension and adapted by UW Extension educators.

“Foods and nutrition may be a traditional 4-H project, but this experience is designed to be anything but traditional,” Jacobsen says.

To join the Food, Fun & 4-H program, call Chichester at (307) 334-3534 or email kelliec@uwyo.edu.

About University of Wyoming Extension

Since 1914, UW Extension has provided lifelong learning opportunities to Wyoming citizens across the state. With roots in agricultural education, UW Extension supports rural communities facing contemporary challenges and changes. UW Extension brings the university’s resources to each of the state’s 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. To learn more about UW Extension, call (307) 766-5124 or visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe.