Eating more fruits and vegetables is important for health promotion and disease prevention. Despite the importance of eating more produce, it is also one of the most difficult eating behaviors to change. It has been reported that cooking more meals at home is related to increased fruit and vegetable consumption.

To promote healthier, home-cooked family meals, Cook Together, Eat Together, was offered at the Breckinridge County Cooperative Extension Office with families enrolled with the Early Head Start program.  Three families gathered for four sessions to practice food preparation skills, recipe tasting and eating together a family. Adults and youth participants enjoyed being together while sharing about their day and enjoying the food they had cooked together. Mobile cooking stations provided the opportunity for all participants to gain direct learning.

As a result of the program, all participants reported improved cooking skills and trying the new recipes at home. Also, parents reported the intent to cook more at home. The program introduced Extension programming to young families and additional cooking sessions are scheduled for the new school year. Cook Together, Eat Together provides a connection for two community agencies to partner and support the families of Breckinridge County for a healthier future.