A program is teaching school children how to make their own healthy lunches. 

Food educator Gisselle Madariaga teaches the classes in Brooklyn.

Madariaga says making sure children understand basic food groups is critical, but involving them when cooking food is equally as important.

she says when children have choices they feel more involved and connected to the cooking process.  

A child's plate should consist of half fruit and vegetable and half healthy whole-grains like wheat and oats with a quarter of lean protein, Madariaga says.

The program is intended to allow children to create their own meals so they may become independent later on in life and maintain a healthy lifestyle.