A systematic review of the research published in 2021 on the benefits of in-home eating showed an increase in the consumption of fruits, vegetable and healthful nutrients. (Diet and Health Benefits Associated with In-Home Eating and Sharing Meals at Home: A Systematic Review - PMC) Barriers to eating at home include lack of access to affordable or high quality food, lack of time to purchase and prepare foods, and lack of skills and knowledge of food preparation methods.

The Butler County Family and Consumer Science Agent (FCS) hosted a program on using Electric Pressure Cookers to help address the issues of lack of time and lack of knowledge of food preparation methods. Electric Pressure Cookers are a kitchen appliance that has recently been popular due to the reduced cooking times and ease of use for many households. This program was offered as part of an ongoing monthly ‘FCS Fridays’ program in Butler County. The FCS agent demonstrated the use of the Electric Pressure Cooker, sampled healthy recipes prepared using the electric pressure cooker, and provided information on the safety and use of the appliance. Participants also received a booklet with information on how to use the appliance, as well as recipes suitable to be prepared using this cooking method.

6 participants attended the program. 100% of participants indicated an increase awareness of the benefits of using an electric pressure cooker to prepare foods and an increased awareness of using the electric pressure cooker to prepare foods typically prepared with a slow cooker. 100% of participants also indicated an awareness of the challenges and time required for different foods prepared using the electric pressure cooker. 83% of participants indicated they already owned an electric pressure cooker with 80% reporting that prior to the class they used the appliance rarely. 100% of the participants who currently owned the appliance indicated a intention to use the electric pressure cooker more often. The participant who did not currently own the appliance indicated an intention to purchase the appliance as well as the intention to prepare more foods at home. One participant stated that she enjoyed all the tips and different uses demonstrated for using the electric pressure cooker and loved being able to sample the recipes! Another participant said they “loved being able to try these recipes!”.