By MONIQUE KOERNER
Cottonwood Extension District
K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.
Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!
I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!
Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw
I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or [email protected].