4-Hers Make Meals and Learn About Nutrition at Food Revue

From the Winona Daily News (WI). Remember 4-H, scouting, and Home Economics? Why is 4-H only in rural areas?

"Lewiston-Altura Elementary got a taste of the Middle East and other dishes Saturday at the 4-H Food Revue.

Seventh-grader Zoya Parsi made Gormeh Sabzi as her entry into the competition: an Iranian dish made from vegetables, rice and stew meat.

The competition was open to all 4-H members, and contestants were judged partially on their knowledge of food and nutrition; and partially on the food and place setting they prepared.

The entrants were separated by grade into three categories, and the top three entries from each category were awarded prizes.

All of the food was open to be tasted by the public, and a People's Choice Award was given to each age bracket.

This year's Food Revue was slightly smaller than past events, with 16 total entrants in the competition, seven of them boys.

Tucker and his brother Cedric Speltz both entered the competition and won first and second place in the advanced age bracket.

Cedric, a senior at Lewiston-Altura High School, made his favorite dish, Chicken Divan, and chose a green place setting to complement the asparagus in the dish.

"It's a dish I really like that we have for family supper I learned how to make," Cedric said.

Cedric said he loves learning how to cook and watching Food Network and its host, Guy Fieri.

Cornelia Kryzer, one of the Food Revue planners said, "The Winona County food show is the biggest in the area."

Event judge Linda Anderson agreed. It is her 13th year judging area Food Revues, and Winona County's is usually the largest one she judges.

The revue contained an educational component as well. Entrants were questioned on their nutritional, meal planning and food knowledge, and were given information about healthy eating and the Food Pyramid.

The goal was to educate participants about what is in the food they eat and what food costs."

Even if they're only being taught about the Food Guide Pyramid, they're still miles ahead of most people in this country when it comers to food knowledge. Once they break free of the school system, they can decide what to eat for themselves.

At least they're learning how to shop effectively!