Kentuckians are dying from heart disease and cancer at higher rates than all Americans and they have a lower life expectancy.  The obesity epidemic, increased consumption of unhealthy food, stress, and lack of built environments are other factors that threaten the quality and years of life of Kentuckians.  

The educational program response

In an effort to increase the well-being of families and increase their abilities to make healthy food choices by preparing meals at home, the Simpson County FCS agent offered a new to the county program, called Cooking Through the Calendar.  Adults who attended were eager to learn new cooking skills or enhance their cooking skills while learning new and nutritious recipes that were published in the Food and Nutrition Recipe Calendar.  The program was offered monthly at the Extension Office and then again at the Senior Center, where many senior citizens reported trying new foods for the first time.  A short nutrition lesson was offered in conjunction with the food demonstration of the recipe featured in the calendar.  

The participants/target audience

Residents of Simpson County including homemakers, young singles, senior citizens on a tight budget, and those preparing meals for their families.  

Program impact or participant response.

More than a third of those attending reported they have prepared a recipe from the calendar, and more than 88 percent say they plan to prepare a recipe.  75 percent of participants have tried new foods that they normally would not have tried and 81 percent report that they have increased their consumption of fruits or vegetables since being in the program.  All of the participants have given positive feedback, enjoyed the program, and want it to continue.