Life can be difficult enough for teenage parents and parents to be, but a cooking class sponsored by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program of the Scotland County Cooperative Extension office aims to make life a little easier in the kitchen.

"Young parents need to know how important it is to take care of themselves and their children and babies," class instructor Umeko Terry said. "Called 'Cooking with Class', we meet with these teenagers and young mothers to provide insight in the areas of proper nutrition, hand washing, and kitchen safety, and we also teach the students how to save money when they visit a grocery store through the use of coupons and sales flyers."

Classes are open to young parents ages 13 through 25, and are held at the extension office at 231 East Cronly Street in Laurinburg.

"We teach them to prepare a variety of foods including fruit salad, smoothies, lasagna, stir fried foods and much more," Terry said. "We also provide incentives for participation in the lessons, in which students can receive food and kitchen related items such as cutting boards, measuring spoons and cups. Upon graduation from the classes, the participants will receive a graduation certificate and a cookbook for their attendance."

Classes meet several times per month, usually on Wednesday evenings from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m.

Four classes containing nine lessons will be offered. There is no cost to enroll.

"Call me to RSVP for the next group of classes, which are set to begin soon," Terry said. "I hope to see you there."

In addition to teaching young parents the basics of the kitchen, Terry also offers classes in cooking and nutrition for adults at the extension office or at another location.

"If your church or organization would like to sign up for classes through the extension office, I will be happy to set up a time and schedule to provide instruction at the location of your choice," Terry said.

For more information about youth or adult classes, contact Terry at 277-2422.