AGRCS 4-H Clover Buddies Cook Up Fun While Learning Food Safety!
Who knew food safety could be so much fun? On Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the AGRCS 4-H Clover Buddies transformed the Santa Rosa Parish House in Arima—affectionately called the 4-H Clover Buddies Club House—into a buzzing hub of learning and laughter. Their mission? To master food safety in preparation for a mouthwatering culinary adventure: cooking up a true Trinidadian classic—pelau!
Leading the charge was none other than Ms. Asha Lewis, lovingly known as Aunty Asha, from the County of St. George East. With her infectious enthusiasm and creative teaching style, she took the Clover Buddies on an unforgettable journey through the do’s and don’ts of food handling, safe cooking practices, and the legal side of preparing meals for others.
Seven excited young chefs-in-training eagerly soaked up the knowledge while having a blast! Each participant left with a treasure trove of goodies—a folder packed with essential food safety tips, a special cooking journal featuring the recipe for pelau, and their very own mock food badges as a badge of honor.
Adding to the excitement, the 4-H County Coordinator for St. George East, Mrs. Ria Balgobin, joined the session, bringing her enthusiasm and energy. She was fully engaged in the activities and was exuberant when she, too, received her very own mock food badge! Her presence added an extra layer of joy and motivation for the young chefs, reinforcing the importance of food safety in a truly inspiring way.
This was no boring lecture—Aunty Asha made sure the session was packed with hands-on activities and lively discussions, turning what could have been a dry topic into a thrilling food adventure. The Clover Buddies asked questions, shared laughs, and most importantly, learned how to be safe and responsible in the kitchen.
With their new skills and boosted confidence, the Clover Buddies are now one more stage in to roll up their sleeves and cook up a scrumptious, traditional Trinidadian pelau. One thing’s for sure—this culinary experience will be one to remember, filled with delicious food, teamwork, and plenty of fun!