According to the 2023 America’s Health Rankings, Kentucky ranked 41^st for health, 46th for Adverse Childhood Experiences, and showed an increase in adult diabetes of 40% between 2013 and 2022.  The Kentucky Nutrition Education Program (KYNEP) offers programs that lead to improved health and well-being.  

The Todd County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant partnered with Todd County Family Resource Youth Service Center (FRYSC) and offered limited-resource families “Cook Together, Eat Together,” a hands-on cooking program. Two three-day camps were offered.  Eight families participated in the programs.

Families worked together to prepare new recipes, using fresh fruits and vegetables. Families were taught meal planning, budgeting, shopping tips, food safety, and enjoyed family time together.  Adults were surprised when children liked the Spinach Frittata and other new vegetables they had prepared together.

Data combined from both camps showed that 78% of participants showed improvement in 1 or more diet quality indicator.

• 56% of participants eat red, orange, dark green, beans and peas more often each  week.
• 56% of participants showed improvement in food resource management practices.
• 56% of participants plan meals before shopping more often

Everyone enjoyed the positive summer cooking experience, and the opportunity to connect with other families and make new friends.