The Wesley Center Day School provides childcare to youth in Franklin County. When the center supervisor noticed that employees modeled fast food eating habits to the children, she called on the Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed program. “I want the employees to be well, so I want to offer this class during the workday so everyone has the chance to participate.” Each participant’s need was different: one recently moved out of her childhood home and entered adulthood. She felt uncomfortable in the kitchen and knew she needed to learn how to cook. Another individual said, “I have diabetes and want to spend my money right.” A third said, “I just love to cook and always have, so I’m here for more recipes!” Seven women gathered in a kitchen to make a recipe and talk about nutrition for seven weeks.

Their favorite recipe was Hawaiian turkey sliders and the food safety lesson, “I’m definitely going to make this at home,” one said. “I had no idea,” several reacted when they learned it’s unsafe to thaw meat on a counter. Four of six participants started thawing and storing foods correctly after the program. Four of seven participants started comparing prices, using a list at the grocery store, or planning meals more often as well. As for the newly independent participant, she said, “I feel more comfortable with cooking now.” The most important result of this program was that participants learned how to detect sugar, salt, and fat in their fast food choices using the Nutrition Facts label so that they could be aware of the foods they model in their classrooms.