Success StoryDinner for Two



Dinner for Two

Author: Andrea Slone

Planning Unit: Floyd County CES

Major Program: Food Preparation

Plan of Work: Proactive Health and Wellbeing for all

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

According to the United States Census Bureau there are 18, 453 households in Floyd County, KY with an average of 2.42 persons living in the each household. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Kentucky is below the national average of fruit and vegetable consumption among youth. The Center for Disease Control states that adults in Kentucky are also below average of the national fruit and vegetable consumption.

The Floyd County Family & Consumer Sciences Advisory Council suggested the Family & Consumer Science program do a hands-on cooking class for couples and families. Studies have shown that families and couples who cook and eat together have reported to try new foods, eat healthier, and improved relationships (Utter & Denny, 2016).

Floyd County Family & Consumer Sciences program developed a program called “Dinner for Two.” This was a four-week program targeted towards couples and families within the county and offered a free hands-on learning experience. It was encouraged that individuals bring a spouse, partner, relative, or friend to the program to learn how to cook together as a team. This program was advertised on social media, flyers, and word of mouth. Each pair that attended the program was assigned to a station. Each station had a cutting board, chef’s knife, mixing bowls, spoons, skillets, and all the ingredients needed for each class. The participants were able to make their own meals together and eat together. The Family & Consumer Science Agent demonstrated knife skills and how to prepare each recipe throughout the program. Recipes for each program were pulled from University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service sources such as the Plate it Up! KY Proud and the Nutrition Education Program.

A total of 46 individuals attended the “Dinner for Two” program. Surveys were given out at the fourth week program. As a result to this program 100% of those that attended were able to properly cut fruits and vegetable properly, were more confident in their cooking ability, enjoyed cooking with their partner in the class, developed a stronger relationship with their partner, and discovered the benefits of cooking more meals at home. Some participants stated:
  “Has been the best experience! Andi is a wonderful teacher. I feel more confident in my cooking. And the relationship with my wife has grown! Thanks. Hope there are more classes to attend in the future.”
“Had a great time and enjoyed seeing my spouse enjoy learning so much”
“Loved this course. I learned stuff I didn't know.”
 “Loved the class! Would love to come back and bring my daughter. Please let me know if any other classes avaliable. Thank you, Andy!”


Utter, J., & Denny, S. (2016). Supporting Families to Cook at Home and Eat Together: Findings From a Feasibility Study. J Nutr Educ Behav, 48(10), 716-722 e711. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27527909. doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2016.07.001






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