According to state health data, Clay County has a high prevalence of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and obesity.  Research shows that a healthy diet reducing fat, sodium, and sugar lowers the risk of developing diabetes, decreases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and may protect from some cancers.  To address these concerns Family and Consumer Science Agents in the Wilderness Trail Area organized and conducted a Wilderness Trail Area Holiday Cooking School focused on modifying recipes concentrating on fat, sodium, and sugar.  Approximately 250 participants from the eight counties from the Wilderness Trail Area attended the cooking school.  Each participant had the opportunity to sample recipes enabling them to try tasty modified recipes.  This agent was responsible  for coordinating booths and demonstrations. Participants also observed two presentations one on healthy cooking techniques and one on kitchen gadgets and the insta pot. As a direct result of the program in a written evaluation

 92% learned new cooking techniques 

97%leanred new recipes they will use at home

98% learned ways to make traditional family recipes healthier 

74% plan to make traditional family recipes healthier

74% plan to incorporate healthy options in their holiday meals

74% attended last year’s event and of those 73% of their families have created a new tradition since last year and encouraged their family to participate in a tradition