Success StoryFamilies in the Kitchen...Cook Together, Eat Together



Families in the Kitchen...Cook Together, Eat Together

Author: Sara Jenkins

Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The number of Kentuckians living in poverty is consistently above the national average, as is the percentage of Kentuckians receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Evaluations conducted through the University of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program indicate that the average diet for this population is low in fruit, vegetable, and dairy consumption. A review of research found that family meals include more healthy foods and less junk food than meals eaten individually or away from home. Shared family meals are more likely to be nutritious, and kids who eat regularly with their families are less likely to snack on unhealthy foods and more likely to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

To encourage families to prepare and eat meals more often at home, Families in the Kitchen…Cook Together, Eat Together was implemented statewide. State NEP staff trained NEP Assistants working with parents/caregivers and youth to use the curriculum with EFNEP audiences.  The lessons focus on improving diet quality, improving food resource management, increasing food preparation and food safety practices, and increasing physical activity during cooking socials. The results for 54 adults enrolled in EFNEP who completed the program:

•              96% showed improvement in one or more areas of diet quality.

•              89% showed improvement in one or more food resource management practices.

•              70% showed improvement in one or more physical activity behaviors.

•              83% showed improvement in one or more food safety practices.






Stories by Sara Jenkins


Families in the Kitchen...Cook Together, Eat Together

about 3 months ago by Sara Jenkins

The number of Kentuckians living in poverty is consistently above the national average, as is the pe... Read More


Healthy Choices for Every Body

about 3 months ago by Sara Jenkins

Kentucky ranks among the top seven states in the United States for poverty and the ninth highest sta... Read More


Stories by Family and Consumer Sciences


Disaster Prepared on a Budget

Disaster Prepared on a Budget

about 3 months ago by LaToya Drake

Kentucky has faced an increasing incidence of severe weather events, including tornadoes, fires, and... Read More


Kentucky Saves Week 2024 Spreads Savings Message

Kentucky Saves Week 2024 Spreads Savings Message

about 3 months ago by Kelly May

Kentucky Saves is led by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service as part of the nat... Read More


Stories by Nutrition and Food Systems General


LaRue County Farmers Market Continues to Grow with POP Club

LaRue County Farmers Market Continues to Grow with POP Club

about 3 months ago by Marla Stillwell

With an overall food insecurity rate of 12.9% in LaRue County, the percentage of food insecurities a... Read More


Food Preservation and Safe Food Storage

Food Preservation and Safe Food Storage

about 3 months ago by Debra Hixon

July canning classThe problem: On April 20, 2023, the Calloway County Cooperative Extension Council ... Read More