Describe the Issue or Situation.

According to the United States Census Bureau there are 17,333 households in Floyd County, KY with an average of 2.37 persons living in the each household. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Kentucky is below the national average of fruit and vegetable consumption among youth. The Center for Disease Control states that adults in Kentucky are also below average of the national fruit and vegetable consumption. Studies have shown that families and couples who cook and eat together have reported to try new foods, eat healthier, and improved relationships (Utter & Denny, 2016).

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable

In 2019, the Floyd County Family & Consumer Sciences program developed a program called “Dinner for Two.” This was a four-week program targeted towards couples and families within the county and offered a free hands-on learning experience. It was encouraged that individuals bring a spouse, partner, relative, or friend to the program to learn how to cook together as a team.

The program has continued each year since 2019. The program has had an in-person format, virtual, and hybrid. In 2025, the Floyd County Family & Consumer Science Program did all in-person classes with Dinner for Two. A total of 24 individuals attended the programs. 10 have been repeat participants since 2019. The program was conducted two times this year. One class was canceled due to weather. Each class was held on a Friday evening once in the months of February, and March at the Extension Offices. Participants/groups had stations set up for them to cook, learn, and eat together. The Family & Consumer Science Agent demonstrates knife skills and how to prepare each recipe throughout the program. Recipes for each program were pulled from University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service sources such as the Plate it Up! KY Proud and the Nutrition Education The Floyd County Family & Consumer Science Agent demonstrated proper cooking techniques, food safety, and how to cook together as a team.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

24 individuals attended Dinner for Two in 2025. The target audience is families

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

Based on surveys, 100% of participants stated that they learned more about food safety, bonded with their partner, and tried something new during the class.