Success StoryLunch N' Learn



Lunch N' Learn

Author: Karli Giles

Planning Unit: Jessamine County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Plan of Work: Improving Health & Well Being

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

According to America's Health Rankings, only 8% of Kentuckians report eating two or more fruits or vegetables per day.  A low fruit and vegetable intake can correlate to poor health outcomes. To encourage fruit and vegetable intake, the Jessamine County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent taught a year-long Lunch N' Learn program consisting of 12 lessons. The program was delivered at the Jessamine County Extension Office and the average attendance was 10 to 15 participants. The Food and Nutrition Calendars were used as a reference tool for recipes. This reference tool was used because the Food and Nutrition Calendars feature recipes that increase fruit and vegetable intake and are lower in saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium. 


At each lesson, participants would either watch a recipe demonstration or learn how to make the recipe. They would then sample the recipe and come together as a group to discuss what they liked, what they didn't, and if they would make changes. A short nutrition lesson was given after sampling the recipes. A variety of lessons were taught including fad diets, omega 3 fatty acids, sustainable eating, and how to decrease saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium in the diet. 


An evaluation was given to the participants at the conclusion of the 12 month program.

After the conclusion of the 12 month program:

67% reported an increase in fruit and vegetable intake.

92% reported making one or more of the Food and Nutrition recipes at home.

83% reported reported trying a new recipe due to attending the program.







Stories by Karli Giles


Lunch N' Learn

about 1 months ago by Karli Giles

According to Americas Health Rankings, only 8% of Kentuckians report eating two or more fruits or ve... Read More


Savor the Flavor: Using Kitchen Tools and Appliances

about 2 months ago by Karli Giles

Research shows that people who prepare and cook meals at home are more likely to eat the recommended... Read More


Stories by Jessamine County CES


4-H Teen Summit Middle School Conference

4-H Teen Summit Middle School Conference

about 12 days ago by Catherine Weaver

Middle school is a crucial period for youth development, marked by significant physical, cognitive, ... Read More


County Ag. Investment Program (CAIP) Cost-Share Program Continues to Help Expand and Diversify Agriculture in Jessamine County

about 13 days ago by Steven Musen

The Kentucky Ag. Development Fund,s County Ag. Investment Program (CAIP) cost-share program has been... Read More


Stories by Nutrition and Food Systems General


Carlisle County Senior Citizens Cook Through the Calendar

Carlisle County Senior Citizens Cook Through the Calendar

about 26 days ago by Brooke Hogancamp

In the 2019 Carlisle County Community Needs Assessment report, community members recognized more sen... Read More


Hook and Cook

Hook and Cook

about 1 months ago by Kristi Shive

Warren County has numerous fishing spots yet there are many residents who do not know how to fish. I... Read More