Education Program Assistant, partnered with the Family Service Society to provide critical support to residents of Paducah and McCracken County. Family Service Society helps local families in need by offering food, clothing, prescription medications, emergency dental care, utility assistance, personal hygiene items, household goods, and Christmas food assistance. Together, these two organizations launched a six-week program called Cook Together, Eat Together for Families, providing hands-on cooking lessons and practical The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service, through its Senior Nutrition life skills to families.

 Four families participated in this interactive program, which was held weekly at the Family Service Society’s facility. Parents and children worked together in the kitchen, learning new cooking skills, how to prepare healthy recipes, and how to collaborate as a family when cooking meals. The program emphasized the importance of involving even young children in the kitchen, showing parents that kids can contribute meaningfully with the right guidance.

Each family learned how to prepare slow cookers and one-pot meals, which were tailored to help them manage their busy lives. The recipes provided were nutritious, easy to make, and perfect for family dinners.

At the start of the program, families completed an evaluation to assess their current cooking habits, knowledge, and food safety practices. At the end of the six-week program, a follow-up evaluation revealed significant improvements in various areas:

•            80% of participants ate fruit more often daily, incorporating more fresh produce into their diets.

•            80% of families began planning their meals before shopping, including creating a written shopping list to improve meal preparation and budgeting.

•            60% of participants made small changes to become more active, incorporating physical fitness into their daily routines.

•            100% of families used a meat thermometer each time they cooked meat, showing improved food safety practices.

 To ensure families could continue their healthy eating habits after the program, the Family Service Society provided bags of groceries filled with ingredients to recreate the meals made in class. This allowed families to share their newfound cooking skills and recipes with other household members, reinforcing the lessons learned during the program.

 One young boy expressed his excitement during the program, stating, “This was the best cooking he had ever experienced,” which underscored the positive impact that hands-on learning can have on both children and their families.

 The Cook Together, Eat Together for Families program not only helped improve the participants’ cooking skills but also fostered stronger family bonds and healthier habits. By focusing on meal planning, nutrition, food safety, and physical activity, the families who participated are now better equipped to manage their resources and prioritize their health. This collaboration between the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service and the Family Service Society demonstrates the power of community partnerships in making lasting, meaningful changes for local families.