It seems that everywhere we turn, we hear about the impact of overweight and obesity on our nation, especially our children. The Texas 4-H and Youth Development program is working to provide high-quality programs that address the needs of Texas youth and their families.

This fall I have had the pleasure of working with Wise County 4-Hers as they prepared to participate in two dynamic foods and nutrition competitions that focus on planning and preparing healthy meals. Both the 4-H Food Show and 4-H Food Challenge encourage participants to make healthy food choices, improve energy and alertness, reduce disease and illness risks, and gain knowledge of nutrients. Major learning experiences are centered around nutrition, menu planning, food buying, preparation and food safety.

Last week three teams represented Wise County at the District 4-H Food Challenge held in Jacksboro. Forty-four teams of boys and girls from 24 counties competed in the 4-H Food Challenge, which allows 4-H members to create a dish using only a predetermined amount of ingredients. From these ingredients, 4-H members must identify, prepare and then present information related to the serving size, nutritional value and cost of the dish.

Top winners from Wise County included Caitlin Pruett, Morgan Barnes, Marisol Millan, Shelby Vanover and Jessie Bowen, all from the Slidell 4-H Club. They placed first in the Senior Fruit and Vegetable category.

Fallon Sachse, Lyndi Luttrull and Lauryn Luttrull, all from the Decatur 4-H Club, placed third in the Junior/Intermediate Fruit and Vegetable category.

Hunter Horner, Lexi Swift, Fisher Horner, Brady Vanover and Slayton Pruett, all from the Slidell 4-H Club, participated in the Junior/Intermediate Grain category.

Coaches for the two groups included Karen Vanover, Lisa Long and Laurie Washburn.

Congratulations to all of these 4-Hers and coaches for all their hard work in representing Wise County well.

4-H is open to all youth currently enrolled in third grade though age 18 regardless of race, color, sex, religion, socio-economic level, disability or national origin. For additional information about joining 4-H or serving as a volunteer leader, call the Wise County Extension office at (940) 627-3341.