Being a savvy food consumer can benefit an individual or family in many ways. Knowing what to look for and how to shop for a certain product to ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck, can afford a family a little wiggle room in their monthly budget as well as make their food go farther. Seeing a need for consumer education regarding meats education, the Family and Consumer Sciences Educator teamed up with the Agriculture Educator to provide a series of classes focused on consumer education at the grocery store, food safety at home, and food preparation techniques.

A 4 part series of classes was implemented beginning in May, with the final class in November. Class topics included grilling techniques, using a smoker, slow cooking, and the last class will focus on holiday meals and food safety. At each class a different cut and type of meat were discussed. Participants learned what cuts are best for the particular cooking method being discussed, food safety was covered at each session, as well as cooking techniques. A UK Specialist gave a meat cutting demonstration at one of the sessions and discussed meat marketing with participants. There were an average of 15-20 participants for each session. A final evaluation will be administered at the final session, but the following are data collected throughout the program.

 76% of participants reported excellent understanding of concepts discussed such as safe handling of all raw meat, calibration and use of a meat thermometer, and safe storage methods for meat.

100% of participants reported they would utilize what they have learned to prepare more healthy, home cooked meals, as well as using their knowledge gained to save food dollars at the grocery store.

 A follow up evaluation will provide more data, this data will be added upon the completion of the last class on November 14th.