Franklin Elementary students to compete in annual cook-off

“We want to support healthy initiatives for students in South Elyria.” — Emma Taylor, executive director of Our F.A.M.I.L.Y.

Our F.A.M.I.L.Y., also known as fathers and mothers involved in local youth, will sponsor this year’s “Yes You Can ... Be A Chef” for six aspiring chefs from Franklin Elementary School in Elyria. The school competition, which takes place Feb. 21, will feature each chef competing to be Top Chef for Franklin’s cook-off. The idea behind “Yes You Can ... Be A Chef” is to help educate and promote healthy eating habits, inspire the next generation of culinary professionals, stimulate interest in locally produced agriculture and increase participation in school nutrition programs, according to a news release. “We want to support healthy initiatives for students in South Elyria,” said Emma Taylor, executive director of Our F.A.M.I.L.Y. “This is a showcase of what these talented young people can create in the kitchen. ‘Yes You Can ... Be A Chef’ is a wonderful addition to our Mobile Market and community gardening programs.” Each aspiring chef will receive Walmart gift cards to purchase food items, the release said. While students have fun creating and demonstrating, they also learn skills to make healthy choices throughout their life time, according to the release. Our F.A.M.I.L.Y. is recognized as a public charity that provides a creative and safe environment for children and mentors to meet and establish an ongoing relationship, the release said. The organization was designed to engage participants in meaningful recreational, cultural, spiritual and educational pursuits. It was formed as an Ohio nonprofit in July of 2006 by Emma Jean and Bobby Ray Taylor Sr. Since 1996, the organization has planned, organized and taken children on an all-expense paid field trips, as well as provide targeted STEM instruction, the release said. During the year-long programming schedule, students participate in numerous social and recreation activities that introduce them to experiences outside their immediate neighborhoods.