Harrison County 4-H is making a remarkable impact on the lives of young people by offering a variety of engaging food and nutrition projects. These programs empower youth to develop essential life skills while promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of community service.

Food Show: One of the most exciting opportunities for 4-H members is the annual County Food Show. Held on Nov. 2, this year’s theme, “Cooking Through the Decades,” challenged participants to prepare dishes that represented different eras of culinary history. Youth prepared their entries at home and presented them to judges, discussing how their recipes fit the theme, aligned with MyPlate guidelines,and demonstrated nutritional balance.

Participants also showcased their knowledge and skills through a quiz and a hands-on challenge. Twelve talented youth from the County Food Show advanced to the District 5 4-H Food Show, scheduled for May 2, where they will continue to showcase their culinary expertise and nutrition knowledge.

Food Challenge: Another thrilling opportunity for youth is the 4-H Food Challenge Contest, where teams of three to four members test their culinary creativity and teamwork. During the contest, each team is given a mystery ingredient and tasked with preparing a dish and presentation in just 40 minutes. This high-energy event encourages collaboration, quick thinking, and effective communication skills.

Harrison County’s Food Challenge was held on Jan. 4, and 10 teams have advanced to the District Contest, scheduled for Feb. 21. These young chefs will showcase their ability to think on their feet while demonstrating their knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and preparation techniques.

4-H Grilling 101: Another event that Harrison County 4-H participates in is the annual 4-H Grilling 101. Bear Creek Smokehouse hosts this event for the group, offering youth a hands-on opportunity to learn valuable skills. Participants are taught about knife safety, grill safety, and different cuts of beef. After the training, the youth are divided into teams of three to four members to grill hamburger patties. They then choose from a variety of toppings to create a unique burger.

Each team presents their creation to a panel of judges, showcasing both their culinary skills and presentation abilities. This event is a favorite among participants, with youth looking forward to it year after year.

Cake Show: Each year, Harrison County 4-H hosts an annual Cake Show. Youth members of both 4-H and FFA can participate in this exciting event. Participants bake cakes that are judged on various criteria, and afterward, the cakes are featured in a silent auction. The event also includes a unique theme each year, adding an extra layer of creativity and fun. This show provides an excellent opportunity for youth to develop baking skills, showcase their talents, and engage with the community.

Building Leadership Through Service: In addition to promoting personal health, Harrison County 4-H members are committed to serving their community. In November, members organized a Thanksgiving food drive, collecting an impressive 201 pounds of food for Mission Marshall. This act of generosity demonstrates how 4-H’s food and nutrition projects go beyond individual learning to make a meaningful impact on the community.

Opportunities for Everyone: Through workshops, contests, and service projects, Harrison County 4-H provides youth with diverse opportunities to explore food and nutrition. Whether learning the art of cooking, understanding the science of nutrition, or giving back to the community, these projects help young people develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

For more information about joining Harrison County 4-H and participating in its food and nutrition programs, contact the local Extension Office at (903) 935-8413. Email Jennifer Dyson the County Extension Agent with 4-H and Youth Development at [email protected]. Discover how 4-H can inspire your child to lead a healthier, more vibrant life!