The study of nutrition is just like any other type of science. We are constantly learning more as nutrition and health are researched. But over the decades, a nutrition truth that has held true is foods from plants, like fruits and vegetables, are connected to better human health. Choosing foods that come from the Earth is an important piece of a sustainable diet. A diet consisting of more plant-centered foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, delivers both health and environmental benefits and tend to have the smallest environmental impact. 

To address this educational gap with consumers, the Jessamine County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent hosted the one-time program titled Your Community, Your Food. This program was developed to educate consumers about a healthy and sustainable diet-related behavior: eating more plant-based foods.  14 people participated in the workshop at the Jessamine County Extension Office. 

Of those who participated and were surveyed, 93% indicated they had a better understanding of the benefits of local, plant-based foods for health and the environment compared to before the program. 93% stated they increased their knowledge on plant phytonutrients and their health benefits. 93% reported they could better identify various sources of protein. Further, 100% expressed the intention to purchase more seasonal and local fruits and vegetables. 100% expressed their intention to eat a larger variety of local animal products. Finally, 100% expressed their intention to make at least half their plates fruit and vegetables during mealtime. 

 Comments from participants include:

"Yesterday I visited a nutritionist, and this class reinforced what she taught."

"At this class was the first time I ever ate baked fish and liked it." 

"I learned to consider the brain and health benefits of proper balance of foods."