Austin kids grow their own garden, cook a healthy meal - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

AUSTIN, Minn. (KTTC) -- Young chefs went to work in Austin Wednesday as they competed to create a dish that is not only tasty, but filled with cancer-fighting ingredients.

The kids took vegetables they have grown from a garden all summer and turned them into a healthy meal for everyone to enjoy.

The Sprouts Program at the Austin Hy-Vee is in its second year, and it gives kids a chance to fully appreciate the benefits of vegetables and growing their own garden.

Wednesday's task was to make a meal from vegetables, using a cancer-fighting ingredient provided by the Hormel Institute, to impress a panel of judges. One team made a veggie pizza and the other a delicious wrap.

The kids have a good time while learning a valuable lesson.

"The goal of this program really is to get kids enthused about eating more vegetables and increasing their intake of more vegetables," said Jen Haugen, a dietitian with the Austin Hy-Vee. "And all of that kind of comes together when they're able to grow, harvest and prepare with what they've grown."

The Sprouts Program has been a huge success this summer with over 130 kids participating, some just showing up to have fun watering the garden. After Wednesday's competition, they all know how to make a delicious and healthy treat for the entire family.