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

Cook Together, Eat Together is a program targeted at bringing the family together in the kitchen by cooking.  Seven families (total of 24) met for six weeks at the Trimble County Cooperative Extension Service. Topics covered included eating on a budget, shopping smart at the grocery store, unit pricing, reading food labels, and the MyPlate. Each week consisted of a lesson and adults and children prepared hands on recipes together.  

Participants reported trying and enjoying new recipes and transferring learned skills to daily food preparation at home.  Because of the program, participants reported eating more healthy foods such as brightly colored vegetables and whole fruits. In addition, 85% adopted better practices to reduce grocery costs associated with home-cooked meals such as comparing prices, planning meals, and making shopping lists.