Food is a significant piece of culture. Many countries around the world offer guidance for foods and lifestyle habits to promote health. While the local or preferred foods may be different, the general food-based dietary guidance and goals to promote health around the globe are quite similar.

Eighty-three people attended a "Healthy Eating Around the Globe" workshop taught by the Letcher County FCS agent in February 2024. This program provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about cultures around the world and explore flavors of their cuisine. The workshops were taught in each county in the Quicksand Area-Knott, Letcher, Leslie, Perry, Lee, Owsley, Breathitt and Wolfe Counties to homemakers and other community members.

Of those surveyed after the program, 92% felt their knowledge increased about how other countries' dietary guidance compares to those of the United States. 96% of people also had an increased understanding of foods and meals eaten around the world. As a result of this program, 93% said they plan to try a new international ingredient, recipe, or restaurant, and 90% plan to learn more about how people in their community serve foods from other cultures.

Comments from participants included:

“We are not alone in health”

“This lesson reinforces my plan to eat fresh and healthy”

“I plan to research more recipes from other countries to include in my meal planning”

Multiple participants made comments that they will try to exercise more, drink more water, cut back on sodium, processed foods, sugars and fats, and increase fruits and vegetables in their diets.