I've been trying to encourage my son (who's 8) to take a bit more responsibility for getting his own food.  So far we're pretty much only up to breakfast, but that's a start.  What really impressed me was that when he got into making his breakfast the other day (a peanut butter and jelly sandwich) when his sister showed up (she's 5).  He gave up his hard won PB & J to her, and started in making another one. 

Does my heart good.

I started cooking pretty seriously around his age (fried eggs being my specialty) and I remember even then the sense that food you make yourself tastes that much better.  I noticed that he devoured that sandwich with relish.  Never too early to start.