This month, Assistance League of Bend’s These Kids Are Cookin’ program returned to two local Title 1-A elementary schools, Bear Creek Elementary School in Bend and M.A. Lynch Elementary School in Redmond. During the after-school cooking class, low-income 4th and 5th graders learn basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, and nutrition. The students are introduced to the importance of eating a healthy diet, how to safely use a knife, and how to set the table. During the four-week class, the students prepare various meals, including some with an international theme like a traditional Chinese dinner. To encourage healthy eating habits at home, each student receives a cookbook that includes recipes from the class, tips on food safety, and how to eat smart. To learn more about These Kids are Cookin’ contact programs@assistanceleaguebend.org.