Sure, you can spend the summer playing video games or chilling with your pals. No problem with that. But don’t forget about feeding yourself well. This group of Seattle teens did all of the above, taking over a church one night a week to learn how to grow, cook and eat good food. rning about all aspects of healthy eating, from garden to farm stand to their own kitchens. Students Taking Agriculture ‘Round the Streets (STARTS). The goal, writes the Seattle Times’ Roberto Daza, is to “teach the teens the ins and outs of urban agriculture, farming, healthful cooking practices and business basics.”

So far it seems to be working. Kids create healthy fare (like gluten-free pizzas with grilled chicken and arugula) and sell it at the local farmers market. And they get paid for their services in the process.

Korri Bland, 17, center, works in the STARTS kitchen in Seattle with his buddies, creating healthy pizzas for the community. (Photo by ERIKA SCHULTZ, The Seattle Times)