MACKSVILLE — Just one month ago, the new programming area at the Macksville City Library was an empty room, in dire need of furnishings and appliances. Now, thanks to the 2022 $5,000 Children’s Health Grant from the South Central Community Foundation, we have tables, chairs, a refrigerator, microwave, and so much more, making this a usable and welcoming space for patrons young and old. Plus, funds from this grant enabled us to purchase cookbooks, spatulas and healthy ingredients to host three special Kids in the Kitchen programs with local elementary classes.
The Macksville City Library partnered with high school students in Mrs. Wolff’s FCCLA group. The older students helped the younger ones use measuring skills and create their own healthy snacks of sliced apples with yogurt and a fruity trail mix.
Elementary students learned about healthy food choices, food preparation, and My Plate guidelines. Each student received a nylon spatula to take home and their very own America’s Test Kitchen cookbook.
Students took some time to look through the books and put sticky notes on the recipes they wanted to try. They were so excited! More than one student was heard to say: “I can’t wait for school to be over so I can go home and COOK!”
Unlike library books, we told them that it’s a GOOD idea to write in their very own cookbooks – to highlight favorite recipes and to leave notes in the margins telling when they made a dish. We want these books to be enjoyed, not collecting dust on a shelf!
As a follow-up, students were encouraged to make a recipe and send the librarian a picture of the dish they made. The Stafford County Flour Mill generously donated mini bags of Hudson Cream Flour for all students who make a dish from their cookbook.
At least four kids went home the very night of the program and prepared a recipe. Dishes they made so far: Oven Baked Grilled Cheese, Ice Cream Cake, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites, and French Toast & Cheesy Scrambled Eggs.
We are so grateful to SCKLS, a regional foundation that manages charitable funds for seven counties in South-Central Kansas. And, we are thankful for Mrs. Wolff and her FCCLA students, and the Stafford County Flour Mill.
It is so important to teach healthy eating habits and promote family meals at home. Keep Cooking, Kids!
And, if anyone else wants to try some yummy recipes, we do have a copy of each cookbook available for checkout at the library.
For more information about this and other library happenings, check out our website: Macksvillelibrary.com.
Story and photos by JODY SUITER
Macksville Library Director
