The National Coffee Association released findings in 2020 that said 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee every week; 62% drink coffee every day. The average American coffee drinker drinks just over 3 cups per day.  Unfortunately, numerous health controversies, concerns, and warnings accompany this increasingly popular beverage. Each person who participated in this lesson became aware of the differences among coffee roasts, nutritional content, the potential health benefits, and risks associated with coffee consumption.

The Fulton County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) presented the “Coffee Time! Exploring a Favorite Beverage” lesson to Kentucky Extension Homemaker members as the monthly lesson for September 2021. The FCS Agent traveled to four “hub” counties in the 8 county Purchase Area and delivered training to 41 club leaders, who then presented the lesson to their club members. The agent created a video of the lesson that was uploaded to the West Kentucky FCS YouTube page where the video was viewed 62 times and provided Plate it Up Kentucky Proud recipes that paired well with coffee. The lesson was also delivered to a Ladies Event that was attended by 42 local ladies to increase awareness of Extension programs.

37% of participants rated themselves on good/excellent on their knowledge of basic understanding before the lesson compared with 79% of survey respondents feeling confident after the lesson.  Additionally, 84% of survey respondents indicated that because of the program, they knew the effects of coffee has on their health. Many participants mentioned that it was a great lesson with interesting information and facts.