Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development educates youth about making healthy and safe decisions in their lives and is implementing a new educational effort, in partnership with National 4-H Council and USDA, called 4-H Healthy Habits: Food Loss and Waste.
Six communities have been selected to participate in the project and include:
- Holt County (Chambers, NE)
- Otoe County (Nebraska City, NE)
- Lancaster County (Lincoln, NE)
- Garden County (Oshkosh, NE)
- Thurston County (Omaha Nation)
- Dakota County (South Sioux City, NE)
Each project site selects Teen Ambassadors who work to reduce food waste in school food service programs. The Teen Ambassadors:
- investigate food policy
- investigate youth food preferences
- teach youth about nutrition education and preparation
- conduct food audits
- divert food waste from the landfill (composting)
The 4-H Healthy Habits: Food Loss and Waste project gives Teen Ambassadors skills in researching a specific issue, teaching them how to work with community members about seeking a solution to reduce food waste and reuse food waste for food productions, and getting young people involved in agriculture and environment issues.
"This project gives middle and high school-aged youth an opportunity to learn more about environental and agricultural issues in their local communities while gaining skills in teaching, research, and leading community change," shared Dr. Michelle Krehbiel, 4-H Youth Development Specialist. "The 4-H Healthy Habits: Food, Loss, and Waste project is an excellent way for young people to learn about their community, teach about important health and environmental topics, and become engaged citizens."
Learn more about Health and Wellness educational programming offered by Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development.
