Morgan County residents have a record of consuming fewer fruits and vegetables, lacking ideas for healthier food preparation of fresh produce, having a more sedentary lifestyle, lacking skills in production of foods in smaller setting (raised beds, growing in back porch pots and harvesting fresh vegetables).  Morgan County Extension agents teamed up to share "Cooking Through the Calendar" in the county.  The program was offered in the evening and open to any resident interested.  Promoted via all agent program areas for all ages.  The theory was to offer joint programming to include the whole family in learning hands on ways of making healthier meals, trying new recipes, learning about how fruits and vegetables featured each month are grown and physical activity to help increase the activity level of family members.    

     As a result of the collaborative effort, 15-20 families have learned about selection of produce, safe handling, storage and food safety, knife safety and knife skills, new recipe ideas for old favorites and sampled many vegetables they were not as familiar with i.e. avocado.  The hands on preparation, learning how foods are grown and how they may be grown in smaller areas and being physically active with family have been a success for all participants.  Some recent comments include:  "I can't believe I'm eating avocado and like it."  Others have reported raising vegetables in buckets or large flower pots and they are enjoying cucumbers, summer squash fresh from their "porch" garden.

     The program has had excellent results and participants are anxious to continue to learn new methods, recipes and incorporate more fresh produce in their meal planning.