Food Safety Practices Keeps People Healthy

 The Center for Disease Control reports that around 48 million Americans are sickened by foodborne illnesses every year. Reports indicate that some forms of foodborne infections have increased over the last few years. Recently, some members of a local church became ill after a church potluck held on the church lawn, during a very warm Sunday afternoon. Four elderly members required hospitalization.  

The Lee County Agent used this unfortunate incident to work with homemakers in the Quicksand area, to offer solutions. Using information in the “Sharing Meals Together: A Guide to Smarter Potlucks” Handbook, food safety information and strategies for healthier potlucks were shared at 8 Extension Offices.  A total of 84 homemakers received information that can increase both food safety and healthy foods at home and at community functions. 

As a result, a post evaluation was given out and 70 participants filled out the questionnaire. The first section of the evaluation asked the participants to indicate how much they agree or disagree with the statements given about the lesson.

-100% of participants stated they understand the five Behavioral Economics Principles related to Sharing Meals. 

-97% of participants stated they understand ways to manage portion sizes at a potluck meals.

-99% of participants stated they could implement strategies for placing healthier foods in prominent locations on the food table. 

The next section of the Evaluation was True or False questions. Out of the 70 questionnaires turned back in 100% of the participants got question 1 correct, 82% got question 2 correct, and 94% got question 3 correct. 

A few weeks following the lesson, Lee County Homemakers held a potluck style luncheon. A few homemakers came in and placed the food with healthier options first, utensils facing down, and even a few ladies had their food labeled with the ingredients listed. This lesson provided tools and techniques to help make the healthy choice, the easy choice.