The problem

According to the United States Census Bureau there are 17,333 households in Floyd County, KY with an average of 2.37 persons living in the each household. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Kentucky is below the national average of fruit and vegetable consumption among youth. The Center for Disease Control states that adults in Kentucky are also below average of the national fruit and vegetable consumption. Studies have shown that families and couples who cook and eat together have reported to try new foods, eat healthier, and improved relationships (Utter & Denny, 2016).

The educational program response

In 2019, the Floyd County Family & Consumer Sciences program developed a program called “Dinner for Two.” This was a four-week program targeted towards couples and families within the county and offered a free hands-on learning experience. It was encouraged that individuals bring a spouse, partner, relative, or friend to the program to learn how to cook together as a team.

The program has continued each year since 2019. The program has had an in-person format, virtual, and hybrid. In 2024, the Floyd County Family & Consumer Science Program did all in-person classes with Dinner for Two. A total of 66 individuals attended the programs. 10 have been repeat participants since 2019. The program was conducted three times this year. Each class was held on a Friday evening once in the months of January, February, and March at the Extension Offices. Participants/groups had stations set up for them to cook, learn, and eat together. The Family & Consumer Science Agent demonstrates knife skills and how to prepare each recipe throughout the program. Recipes for each program were pulled from University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service sources such as the Plate it Up! KY Proud and the Nutrition Education The Floyd County Family & Consumer Science Agent demonstrated proper cooking techniques, food safety, and how to cook together as a team.

The participants/target audience

Family households in Floyd County. 

Program impact or participant response.

Based on surveys, 100% of participants stated that they learned more about food safety, bonded with their partner, and tried something new during the class. Some individuals made posts on the Facebook page stating:

“Kevin and I absolutely love this program. We’ve learned to love so many foods that we never would have even tried before. This was my first time making pasta but it certainly won’t be the last. Andi Slone, thank you for all the hard work in putting this together. From all the menu prep, shopping, table set ups, measuring out pre-proportioned ingredients to giving up one Friday evening per month. I’m so appreciative of you!  ??”

“It’s a great program. We have enjoyed it so much. Tried new things. And my husband has really learned so much and cooks very well now ??”

“We really enjoyed it. It was our first time making pasta too! We are eager to try it again. And I did a wonderful job! Rich couldn’t quit eating the salad! Thanks to everyone it was a wonderful experience!”

“Had a great time.. Great Recipes... Andi does a wonderful job teaching homemade recipes. Thank you”

This has been the strongest growing program with the Floyd County Family & Consumer Sciences program.