Author: Joan Bowling
Planning Unit: Kenton County CES
Major Program: Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud
Plan of Work: Improving Dietary Habits
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Kentucky adults rank among the ten highest for poor consumption of fruits and vegetables. The Center for Disease Control reports that 33.2% of Kentucky residents are obese, 46.2% consume fruit less than 1 time per day and 24.9% consume vegetables less than 1 time per day. In an effort to encourage Kenton County senior citizens to consume more locally grown fruits and vegetables and increase knowledge of cooking with produce found in the farmers market, the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent worked with a senior center, to provide eight monthly educational lessons. Over 17 seniors attended the sessions completing a pre and post lesson evaluation. Samples of various Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud recipes were demonstrated and served to participants. Food safety tips, nutritional information and preparation techniques were taught. As a result of the monthly sessions: 82% of the seniors were somewhat likely to try the recipes at home upon the taste test; 76% shared the information and recipe with a friend or family member; after receiving the recipe card after each session, over 50% stated they were likely to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables when available. 40% stated they had visited the local farmers market for the first time after hearing about it at the program. At the conclusion of the last session for the year one of the seniors commented “I love it when you come, because you bring us recipes that do not require too much chopping or expense, and things that are practical for older adults to prepare when we are alone”
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