Research is clear that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect against several chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Nationwide, it is estimated that only 12.2% of adult meet the recommended amount of fruits each day and only 9.3% meet recommendations for vegetables (CDC, 2018). Kentucky falls even further below the national averages with only 8.0% of adults meeting daily recommendations for fruits and 6.3% meeting recommendations for vegetables (CDC, 2018). In response to these statistics, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Woodford County offered a mail recipe club for the calendar year 2021 featuring Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud recipes and other Extension-supported recipes to encourage the consumption of locally produced fruits and vegetables across Kentucky.  

Over 100 individuals joined the recipe club and have received up to five recipes monthly through the U.S. Postal Service.  In addition, individuals who registered also received a copy of the 2021 Food & Nutrition Recipe Calendar. Participants were encouraged to make at least one of the recipes each month.

Throughout the program, participants were asked to complete a brief survey to provide feedback. Of those who responded, 61.18% learned a new technique or skill, including roasting vegetables, measuring ingredients, cutting certain vegetables, using a knife to make different sized cuts, and kitchen safety. 47.62% of participants reported using an ingredient they had never cooked, including carrots, turnip greens, fresh herbs, blackberries, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and sorghum. Further, approximately 89% of participants surveyed reported being more likely to buy a fruit or vegetable as a result of receiving the recipe cards. Several participants shared final thoughts about the recipe club and how it has been beneficial for their fruit and vegetable consumption and other healthy cooking behaviors. All participants who completed the survey had the opportunity to stop by the Extension Office to pick up a prize (pictured below). Some participants shared: 

• The muffins were delicious and nutritious, and I will make them again! 

• I was pleasantly surprised that I liked most of these vegetables I don’t ever buy. 

• I got my husband to eat Brussels sprouts, AND enjoy them! 

• I shared these recipes with my two neighbors and they both loved it.  

• These cards made me realize I can easily add in more veggies to the meals I make.