Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) is a volunteer organization that provides leadership development opportunities, volunteer services, and education to communities across the state. Family and Consumer Sciences works closely with KEHA to provide educational programming and coordinate community activities. One mode of this collaboration is through the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association Annual State Meeting. This meeting allows State Extension Specialists and Associates to share educational programming directly with the Homemakers, who then pass along what they have learned to their Homemaker clubs. KEHA allows for a broader reach of the practical education that Cooperative Extension provides.

Smoothies are popular with people of all ages, from small children to older adults. They can be quick to make, provide a variety of nutrients, and are versatile in modes of consumption. Smoothies can be a simple snack, a sweet treat, or a balanced meal with the right ingredients. Kentucky Extension Homemakers are an appropriate audience for this programming to educate on another modality of consuming a balanced diet and encouraging a broader consumption of diverse fruits and vegetables. Homemakers can then use this information to increase the nutrient-density of their current diet and to broaden the variety of their dietary intake. Additionally, incorporating this program material in their household can increase these dietary aspects for partners, children, parents, and more.

To educate participants on the appeal of a smoothie and the basic steps to build a nutritious smoothie, the Super Smoothies lesson was presented to members of the Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association at the 2024 Annual State Meeting. The Super Smoothies lesson focused on the basic steps to building a smoothie and ingredient ideas. Extension developed this lesson to teach people how to make smoothies that are nutritious, flavorful, and exciting. The goal is to increase knowledge and skills related to making smoothies to increase nutritious food choices. Thirty-five people participated in the workshop.

 Participants completed a follow-up evaluation at the end of the lesson. Of those surveyed, 92 % indicated they understand common ingredients, and 95 % indicated they understand the common steps to make a smoothie. 100 % reported they understand ways to add variety to smoothies with fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious ingredients. Further, 97 % acknowledged they plan to prepare a smoothie at home to add nutritious foods to their diet. Lastly, 78 % plan to try a fruit or vegetable in a smoothie that they do not typically eat.

The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association was a very receptive and engaging audience. Many questions were asked and answered during the demonstration portion of the workshop. Most questions were directed at ways to increase or decrease a specific nutrient in the diet using smoothies. Answers were given to support a balanced diet including a variety of nutrients, specifically those highlighted by the USDA to increase or decrease in the American diet to support overall health and prevent chronic diseases.

Participants mentioned that the most significant thing from this program they will apply to their lives include using overripened fruit in their smoothies to stretch their food dollars and that adding smoothies will support their endeavor in increasing fruit and vegetable intake. Lastly, one participant mentioned that this program inspired them to add smoothies back to their diet.