The Fayette County Extension Office is located near several larger apartment complexes that house limited resource families and seniors on fixed incomes. This audience is venerable to poor eating habits and lack of food preparation skills that can lead to obesity. To address the needs of people living and working near the Extension office the Family and Consumer Sciences and Nutrition Education Program assistants conduct a once a month class at noon entitled “Cooking the Calendar”. The recipes are simple, economical, and healthy.

During the first five months,  over 100 adults have attended the cooking demonstrations with 50% attending three or more sessions. The group consists of women who are either senior citizens, new retirees and stay at home mothers.  As a result of the program, the participants discovered foods that are new to them; identified ways to reduce calories, or fat; recognized one or more nutrients; tired new foods and observed correct food preparation and food safety techniques. Many reported increasing fruits and vegetables consumption for themselves and their families.  The class members report that they are preparing these recipes at home after the class meets.  One member told us that she "appreciates the recipes and is saving money while eating healthier."