Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Healthy Youth Project is to instruct, inspire, promote and provide resources that will encourage better physical and mental health. The Healthy Youth Project will expose disadvantaged students to practical and healthier lifestyle solutions. Successful completion of this program should result in the reduction and prevention of obesity, heart disease and many other preventable conditions.

Problem Statement

Many inner-city students meet the USDA guidelines of living in a Food Desert. Numerous research has shown the strong correlation between youth and children who are negatively impacted by food deserts, and a lack for proper nutrition and access to processed foods. The pilot program has shed light on areas of need and where the program can adjust to meet the need of students suffering from lack of nutrition.​

Project Summary

The Healthy Youth Project creates a fun and engaging learning environment for high school students during the  school year, to learn the benefits of how a healthier diet will significantly impact their overall mental and physical health. Students will participate in an interactive curriculum that will educate them on food, healthy cooking, and consuming foods for optimum health and wellness.

The Lincoln Pilot Recap

Thank you very much for inspiring my students to make healthy food options.  The little things count, I saw a few of my students making better food choices, for example two of the students brought some frozen fruit and apple juice to school so that I could show them how to make smoothies.  I was so amazed by their determination to make better choices.  These students would come to class eating hot chips and sugary drinks for breakfast.  All thanks to Mrs. Haynes, these students are making better choices for a healthier life.  As a personal confession I have made changes in my home for family and myself.  I have made a few recipes from Mrs. Haynes cookbook and my family had no idea that they had eaten meatless tacos and chili.  Thank you Mrs. Haynes for the inspiration that you have given my students and myself to live a healthier life.        
​~ Lincoln Culinary Program Instructor
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS