Background. Flint Kids Cook, a nutrition and culinary program for children and adolescents, was created in October 2017 to address health concerns among youth and families in a low-income, urban community. In this study, researchers examined family experiences with the 6-week, chef-led program, which was taught in a farmers’ market kitchen. Methods. At the conclusion of each session, researchers used an open-ended focus group format to assess program experiences, perceived impact on youth self-efficacy for cooking and healthy eating, and caregiver support. This qualitative study was guided by thematic analysis. Results. Between November 2017 and December 2018, 72 caregivers (n = 38) and students (n = 34) participated in separate focus groups. Caregivers were primarily female (74%) and African American (71%). Most students were African American (76%) and half were female. Recurrent themes included food acceptance, dietary modifications, confidence in the kitchen, and program design. Caregivers and students agreed that location and design of the program alongside facilitation by an experienced chef were important factors for program success. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that a chef-led healthy cooking program for youth was effective in improving perceived food acceptance, dietary habits, and confidence in the kitchen. The program could be modeled in similar communities to address diet and health of children and adolescents.

Objective: Examine whether differences were present by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation in dietary patterns, achievement of dietary recommendations, and food security for children (aged 7−18 years) receiving free/reduced-price school meals. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Caregiver−child dyads at a pediatric clinic completed validated surveys. Food security, dietary patterns, and achievement of dietary recommendations were compared between child SNAP participants/nonparticipants. Results: Among 205 caregivers, 128 (62.4%) reported SNAP participation. Percentages of child SNAP participants/nonparticipants meeting recommendations were largely nonsignificantly different and overwhelmingly low. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants reported higher mean daily servings of vegetables (P = 0.01) and fruits (P = 0.01) than nonparticipants. Caregiver-reported household food security was not significantly different between SNAP participants and nonparticipants (P = 0.44). Conclusions and Implications: In this study, child-reported fruit/vegetable intakes were significantly higher among SNAP participants than nonparticipants, suggesting child SNAP participants may experience small but noteworthy benefits related to fruit/vegetable consumption. Additional supports are needed to achieve dietary recommendations.

youngest child between ages 2-8 at week two and nine of EFNEP classes. A facilitation kit was used to assist participants. All ASA24 data collections were conducted by trained professional staff. Evaluation Methods: Raw data was exported from ASA24 to track the number of successful logins and attempts to enter recalls at each timepoint, total calories consumed, meal times, and food codes. Data collectors recorded errors frequently encountered, adjustments made to specific recalls, and user difficulties. Results: Of the 88 enrolled participants, 62% completed ASA24 entry in Spanish and 38% in English. Fifty four percent (47) successfully completed ASA24, 27% (24) were unable to complete ASA24 and their child recalls were collected on paper, and 19% ( 17) did not attend the data collection. Conclusions: ASA24 can successfully be used to assess children's diets reported by parents enrolled in EFNEP. However, users may encounter challenges with connectivity, limited participant literacy levels, and technical difficulties within the ASA24 system. Identifying challenges and strategies to overcome them, is critical to inform the advancement and dissemination of this web-based tool. Funding: USDA.

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