According to the CDC and data collected from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, only 9% of adults consumed the recommended amount of vegetables, and only 12% consumed the recommended amount of fruit. Because of barriers such as high cost, lack of availability and access, and perceived lack of ability to prepare and cook, many are going without the essential nutrients they need. 

In order to promote healthy habits and increase knowledge of affordable, nutritious recipes, Lunch and Learn took place every month from January to December in 2023!  The University of Kentucky Food and Nutrition Calendar was used to showcase recipes that are low in sodium, added sugars and saturated fats. Lunch and Learn has been extremely popular in the community, averaging about 25-35 people in total each month. There is a day and night session to accommodate various schedules. A survey taken at the end of the year showed these results: 100% of participants reported that Lunch and Learn has inspired them to try new things. 94% of participants reported that they have made some of the recipes at home, with one participant saying they had made every single one! 83% of participants reported an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption since starting Lunch and Learn. 78% of participants reported that Lunch and Learn had prompted them to start looking at the nutrition facts label more often. Lunch and Learn will no doubt continue to be a community favorite among FCS programming in Garrard County!