One pressing issue is the rising prevalence of diet-related health problems, such as obesity and diabetes, particularly among children. Families are often caught in the convenience of fast food and pre-packaged meals, which tend to be low in fruits and vegetables.

"Cook Together, Eat Together." The initiative aims to strengthen family bonds and promote healthy eating by encouraging families to prepare meals together.

The Laurel County FCS partnered with the Laurel Harvest to offer the families all the ingredients needed for 6 weeks to prepare meals at home together through zoom classes.  Participants received all the ingredients to prepare a meal at home for their families, along with incentives of: oven mitt, cookie sheet, chef's knife, knife for kids (if families had small children participating), slow cooker or stock pot, measuring spoons and cups, vegetable peeler, etc.) 

The program is on-going and will be taught minimum of 5 times each year through 2025.

*12 families participated in the program in which 85% prepared more homecooked meals, 

* 73% reported adopting a habit of making a list to take to the grocery store and to price shop through grocery ads. 

*96% reported an increase of consuming fruits and vegetables in their diets

Through the program more families are making certain nights of the week "family cooking night" to continue on with what they have learned through the program.  

Some quotes from participants:

"My mom has learned how to cook. I would not eat anything she made until now. Thanks for helping my mom learn to cook!"

"We have made Tuesday night our cooking together evening.  We look forward to getting everyone in the kitchen and everyone helping out with the meals." 

"Thank you for these amazing gifts that we received through the program.  I always wanted a slow cooker but never had the extra money to buy one.  I am so excited to be able to use this now!"