Each month, the Elliott County Extension Office hosts Cooking Through the Calendar, a hands-on cooking class that brings people together to try healthy, budget-friendly recipes from the University of Kentucky’s Food and Nutrition calendar. What started as a simple monthly program has grown into a highly anticipated community event that inspires participants to make small, lasting changes to their eating habits.

One of the most impactful results? Participants have become more adventurous in the kitchen—trying new fruits, vegetables, and cooking techniques they had never used before. Recipes like “Split Pea Soup” and “Lemon Broccoli” have been surprise hits, even among picky eaters.

After attending just a few sessions, several participants reported feeling more confident reading nutrition labels and planning balanced meals . Many have started incorporating more whole grains, lean proteins, and seasonal produce into their weekly menus.

One regular attendee shared, “Before this class, I stuck to the same five meals every week. Now I look forward to trying something new each month—and I’ve even gotten my grandkids to help me cook some meals!”

By combining education, cooking demonstrations, and a fun community atmosphere, Cooking Through the Calendar continues to build a healthier Elliott County, one delicious recipe at a time.