Describe the Issue or Situation.

Learning to cook on a budget is especially important for low-income families as it empowers them to make the most of limited financial resources while ensuring access to nutritious, home-cooked meals. By developing basic cooking skills and learning how to plan meals, shop smartly, and minimize food waste, families can stretch their grocery dollars further and reduce reliance on expensive takeout or processed foods. This not only supports better physical health but also fosters financial stability and self-sufficiency. Additionally, cooking at home encourages family bonding and the passing down of valuable life skills to younger generations.

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

Local families who need to take advantage of the "Angel Tree" program must attend a series of classes to be able to obtain Christmas gifts for their children.  Partnering with the Family Resource Center, these hands-on classes are designed for anyone new to the kitchen who wants to build confidence and essential skills for everyday cooking. Whether a complete beginner or looking to improve your basic techniques, this course guides participants through affordable recipes and practical kitchen know-how. With a focus on cooking on a budget, community members will learn how to create delicious, nutritious meals without breaking the bank. Each session combines demonstrations with active participation, making it easy to learn by doing in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Students gain knowledge in:

• Kitchen safety and hygiene
• Proper knife handling and basic cutting techniques
• Understanding common cooking terms and methods (e.g., sauté, boil, simmer, roast)
• Meal planning and grocery shopping on a budget
• How to read and follow a recipe
• Cooking simple, balanced meals using affordable ingredients
• Food storage, leftovers, and reducing waste
• Basic seasoning and flavor-building techniques

By the end of the class, participants feel more confident in the kitchen and ready to cook healthy meals for themselves or their families.

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

Twenty-five low income family members participated in "Angel Tree" programming at the Lyon County Extension Office.  

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.

As a result of participating in the Cooking Basics for Beginners class, 92% of participants reported increased confidence in their ability to prepare meals at home, according to post-program communications. Before the course, only 35% of attendees cooked meals on a regular basis. Additionally, participants indicated they had reduced their reliance on pre-packaged or fast food options, leading to healthier eating habits. These outcomes demonstrate that the program significantly enhanced participants’ cooking self-sufficiency, nutritional awareness, and financial resilience.