In the Green River Area (including Ohio, McLean, Webster, Daviess and Henderson Counties), an average of 21.7% of families with children were below the poverty level (in each county). In addition, approximately 2,830 grandparents are living with and caring for their grandchildren (source: Building Strong Families 2019 KY County Profiles).

To make the best of family budgets and dollars spent on food, the Webster County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent collaborated with the area Extension Homemakers and other area FCS agents to provide the Economical Entrees program to the Green River Area Homemakers as a monthly educational lesson for their club leaders. Seventeen homemaker leaders participated in the program. One-hundred percent of the participants indicated that they understand the role of the entrée in MyPlate and Dietary Guidelines for Americans; 100% can identify economical protein foods and 100% can plan meals using economical entrees. 

A follow up evaluation revealed that seventy percent (70%) of participants used skills they learned to prepare economical entrees at home, and estimate saving $20.00 per month on food expenses as a result. Their skill levels also increased from 50% intermediate and 50% skilled before the program to 10% intermediate and 90% skilled after participating in the program.