Kids learning to cook healthy meals

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Over a dozen local kids are spending their summer in the kitchen learning how to make healthy meals for themselves and their families. It’s part of Southern University Ag Center’s SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Program, which Evan Egana said teaches them everything from food safety to eating healthier.

“The first day, they weren’t too excited, but now they’re actually in action and they love it,” said Egana, Area Supervisor for the SNAP-Ed program in East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana.

Conner Funchess loves it so much, it’s his second year coming back to camp.

“I like learning how to cook and how to eat healthy,” Funchess admitted.

He said cooking with his friends and learning new recipes are his favorite parts. This week, they’re learning how to make pancakes, pizza, chicken, and banana boats. Egana uses these recipes as an opportunity to introduce ingredients the kids may not be used to eating.

“I try to teach the students to eat fruits and vegetables,” said Egana. “I don’t tell them they have to eat it, but I want them to try it, and most of the time they do.”

It’s something Honesty Washington likes because she knows food can be medicine.

“When your family is sick and needs help, you can make them some soup so they can feel better,” explained Washington.

Even though she’s making her mark in the kitchen early, she’s already found foods she enjoys making.

“Pancakes, salad, pizza, those are all my favorite things,” said Washington.

Now, she’s looking forward to bringing her knowledge home to cook alongside her grandma.

“Sometimes we cook together and it’s fun doing it,” admitted Washington.

While Funchess wants to show off his skills to his parents.

“It’s fun to learn to cook, and you can impress your parents,” he said.

A lesson Egana hopes all her young chefs will take with them.

“Just healthier eating options as far as they can see how easy it is to make these meals and then actually do it at home and incorporate it into their families’ recipes,” said Egana.

The SU Ag Center has held C.H.E.F. camps in West Carroll, Avoyelles, East Carroll, Richland, St. James, East Baton Rouge, Morehouse, Evangeline, and Madison Parishes. Additional camps will also be held in Ascension and Jefferson Davis Parishes in July.

Click here to report a typo. Please include the headline.

Click here to subscribe to our WAFB 9 News daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Copyright 2025 WAFB. All rights reserved.