Kentucky adults rank among the 10 highest of poor consumption of fruits and vegetables, according to the Center of Disease Control.  Individuals who consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables tend to avoid chronic diseases as they age. The “Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud” program was created to promote Kentucky grown products and markets to encourage an increase in fruits and vegetables consumption.

The Union County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent offered “Simply Cooking” Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud” to Union County residents.  These 4 hands-on cooking classes offered participants the opportunity to prepare six different recipes and evaluate them.   Nutrition educational material was provided to participants as well as recipes and cooking tips.

After the program, 100% said they were likely to purchase products to make these recipes at home. A mother/daughter program participant expressed their new found likeness for asparagus.  The mother stated that she and her daughter are now eating asparagus and they had not tried it previously. The “Asparagus Ham Quiche” was one of the favorites of many of the participants.