Success StoryMaking the Most of Meals while Traveling



Making the Most of Meals while Traveling

Author: Joni Phelps

Planning Unit: Livingston County CES

Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

Plan of Work: Health and nutrition education, physical activity, aging, and chronic disease awareness/prevention.

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Several resources are available that help consumers save money on transportation, lodging, and activities when planning for their next travel adventure. However, little information and resources are available for consumers related to saving money on meals, snacks, and drinks while traveling. Research estimates that people spend 25% of their travel budgets on food. Interestingly, effective strategies for reducing food costs while traveling may also result in more balanced and nutritious food and beverage choices.

To fill this educational gap regarding nutritious and budget-friendly vacation meals and snacks, the Livingston County Extension agent Joni Phelps hosted the program Making the Most of Meals while Traveling as a leader lesson for the Pennyrile Area homemakers. Extension developed this program to educate consumers about the benefits of planning for food and meals while traveling, to provide useful strategies to increase affordability and nutrition of meals, and to develop skills to meal plan for family trips. 36 people participated in the workshop. 

Of those who participated and were surveyed, 69% and 69% indicated they could identify strategies for making more nutritious and affordable meals and snacks, respectively. 62% stated they increased their level of understanding regarding the benefits of planning meals and snacks in advance of travel. Further, 58% expressed the intention to weigh dine-in versus dine-out options when planning their next day trip or vacation, while 61% expressed the intention to plan meals in advance while preparing and planning for their next day trip or vacation.






Stories by Joni Phelps


Grab N Go Programs

about 4 years ago by Joni Phelps

In the middle of March 2020, many businesses, restaurants, and schools in Kentucky closed to in-pers... Read More


Caldwell County Facebook Live Series

about 4 years ago by Joni Phelps

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Caldwell Countys unemployment rate increased from 5.2% in February 202... Read More


Stories by Livingston County CES


A Fish Tail

A Fish Tail

about 3 years ago by Adam Barnes

A Fish TailIn June of this year, I got the opportunity to help with 4-H camp for our county. Sharee ... Read More


Food Security

Food Security

about 3 years ago by Adam Barnes

Food SecurityLivingston County ANR and 4-H partnered with the Livingston County judge executive, hel... Read More