Eating more fruits and vegetables is a critical behavior 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 correlates with increased fruit and vegetable consumption. To address identified barriers for preparing meals at home, the social marketing and direct education program to promote more nutritious, home-cooked family meals, Cook Together, Eat Together, was offered statewide in 25 counties.

As a result of the program, 1,062 participants reported eating more nutritious foods such as whole fruits and/or brightly colored vegetables, while 1,206 participants reported preparing more nutritious home-cooked meals. In addition, 994 individuals reported adopting one or more practices to reduce food shopping costs associated with home-cooked meals such as comparing prices, planning meals, and making shopping lists.

Over the long-term, these cooking and eating behavior changes may lead to sustainable changes in cooking and eating norms in communities. As demonstrated by Cook Together, Eat Together, social marketing can be a powerful tool to promote changes for public good.