According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 46.2% of adults reported consuming fruit less than one time daily and 24.9% of adults reported consuming vegetables less than one time daily. The main purpose of the Plate It Up- KY Proud project is to promote locally grown produce and encourage buying from local farmers. The Plate it Up Kentucky Proud program helps consumer purchase, prepare, and preserve garden products grown in Kentucky. Magoffin County SNAP Assistant started presenting tasting samples of Plate It Up recipes to over 75 shoppers at the Magoffin County Farmers’ Market during the market season.

Featured market fresh items such as spaghetti squash, eggplant, sweet potatoes, and zucchini were used in the recipes. Comments from the customers after tasting the samples- “I always wanted to try it, but didn’t know how to cook it,” “That is great! “I will definitely purchase and make this at home.” “I never really like sweet potatoes before.’” Results of verbal survey, 87% said that the taste test contribute to their plan to try the recipe at home and 50% stated that their decision to buy that produce was influenced by the recipe card the other 50% said they stopped to use their Senior Voucher, WIC vouchers and the double dollar, and the recipe was just an added bonus. Framers Market venders reported on the day that samples and cooking instructions were given sells increase. The Recipes even helped them to sell items that people were not familiar with. An increase in the amount of interest in the market as well as eating fresh produce validates this program as a success.