Little Hands in the Kitchen a big hit at Quantico

When most people eat pork, they eat it barbequed, baked or fried, but 12 kids consumed their pig raw alongside a hippo’s head Aug. 19 at Barber Fitness Center.
Children, ranging from ages three to six years old, gathered around to partake in a set of odd, but tasty treats during a new program called Little Hands in the Kitchen.
Each child, accompanied by their parents, was set up with nutritious foods and instructions to make fun, healthy snacks that don’t require using a stove.
This program branched from similar programs for adults and older children geared toward teaching proper nutrition.
“Proper nutrition is very important,” said Tracy Bowman, the Semper Fit Dietician. “We always have things for the adults. I wanted something geared toward younger kids.”
Bowman caught the children’s attention by allowing them to participate in small games before digging into their snacks. Pointing to an object in the kitchen, the children collectively yelled out its name.
Surprised at some of the knowledge these young children had about kitchen appliances, Bowman asked the children to name fruits and vegetables.
Six-year-old Russell Hays was the first to call out a fruit, “Papaya!”
Other kids quickly yelled out some of their favorite fruits and vegetables ranging from apples and peaches to peas and cauliflower.
Parents gleamed with pride as their young ones engaged in the activities and they even snuck in a few answers themselves.
Bowman went on to ask the children to clap if they have eaten or drunk any of the items she named - breakfast, fruit, vegetables, milk and water. She then explained how important each item was and where they are on the food pyramid.
The children anxiously waited to make their snacks - a bicycle, pig and hippo.
The bicycle was made using oranges slices for the wheels, pretzels for the frame, two raisins for the pedals and a grape for the seat.
To make a pig’s head, the children used apple slices for the face and ears, a banana slice for the nose, two raisins for the eyes and two sunflower seeds for the nostrils.
The hippo’s head was made using canned pears for the face, marshmallows for the ears, two cheerios for the nostrils and two raisins for the eyes.
Upon completion of all three food projects, the children were able to enjoy their snacks and what they didn’t eat, they took home in their very own lunchbox.
Russell wasn’t only the first to yell out a fruit, but was also the first to mention how much fun he had.
“We’re probably going to be at the next class,” said Russell, after thanking Bowman personally for such a great time.
Russell’s mother Karla Hays smiled and obliged saying, “Yes, we can come back.”
Russell’s little sister, Emily, also said she had fun, not forgetting to mention the bananas were her favorite part.
As parents gathered their children’s snacks, Bowman said. “This was a nice turnout. It was a lot less hectic than the adult cooking classes because in the adult classes we use the stove.”
This Little Hands in the Kitchen class was a trial, but with its success, it will become a regular affair.
For more information on upcoming Little Hands in the Kitchen or Kids in the Kitchen programs, contact Bowman at 703-784-2869.