According to the United States Census Bureau there are 4,629 households in Powell County, KY with the average household size being 3.44 people and about 49.7% of these being married couple households (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). The 2024 County Health Rankings indicate Powell County is faring worse than the average county in Kentucky for Health Factors, and worse than the average county in the nation (University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, 2023). Studies have shown that families and couples who cook and eat together have reported trying new foods, eat healthier, and improved relationships (Utter & Denny, 2016).

The Powell County Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent developed a program called Date Night Cooking where couples/families met once per month for 12 months to participate in a free hands-on learning experience. It was encouraged that individuals bring a spouse, partner, relative, friend, or child to the program to learn how to cook together as a team and make a nutritious and economical meal for two.

This program was advertised on social media, flyers, and word of mouth. Each pair that attended the program was assigned to a station. Each station had all the equipment and ingredients needed for each class. The participants were able to make their own meals together and eat together. The Family & Consumer Sciences Agent demonstrated culinary and kitchen safety skills prior to cooking. The agent also guided participants on how to prepare each recipe throughout the program. Recipes were designed to feed two using limited and common ingredients while limiting food waste. At the conclusion of the year, participants received a complete cookbook including all the recipes prepared throughout the program.

A total of 27 couples attended the Date Night Cooking program throughout the year. Over half of the couples that attended were not regular participants in extension programming. According to program evaluations, 100% of those that attended understood the importance and benefits of preparing meals at home. 100% of participants learned creative strategies to decrease food waste at home. 100% of participants expressed that they were confident in overcoming barriers related to cooking meals for two. 100% of participants stated that they intended to increase the variety of foods used when preparing meals at home.

 Some participants stated:
   “Learned that many items can be frozen!”
 “Made pancakes from scratch for the first time”
 “Cooking for two can be fun!”
  “Enjoyed the group environment and making friends”

“I will cook more for my family and myself”

Sources:

University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. 2023. County Health Rankings & Roadmaps 2023. https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/

U.S. Census Bureau. 2023. QuickFacts. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045222;https://data.census.gov/profile/Ke...?g=040XX00US21; &https://data.census.gov/profile/United_States?g=010XX00US

Utter, J., & Denny, S. (2016). Supporting Families to Cook at Home and Eat Together: Findings From a Feasibility Study. J Nutr Educ Behav, 48(10), 716-722 e711. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27527909. doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2016.07.001