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. Many Extension Homemaker members participate in potlucks throughout the year whether at Extension programs, churches or in community organizations.  Using information in the “Sharing Meals Together: A Guide to Smarter Potlucks” Handbook, the Laurel County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent taught food safety information and strategies for healthier potlucks to over 60 Extension Homemaker leaders from the Wilderness Trail Area.  In return those leaders taught the information to many more, reaching members in over 8 counties.   A written evaluation was given to the 60 leaders.  As a result of the program, over 94% of the participants learned ways to manage portion sizes at potluck meals, could implement strategies for placing healthier meals in more prominent locations, understood how to make healthier choices, and knew how to access resources and recipes for creating smarter potlucks.  In a follow up survey given 6 months later, 100% of the returned 33 evaluations stated that they had learned new ideas on how to have a healthier potluck.  68% had used the strategy taught of encouraging all attendees to sign up for what they were bringing to encourage a healthier meal.  When asked what strategies the attendees had used:

• 67% encouraged portion control
• 76% arranged the table so smarter options, like vegetables, were easier to see and reach
• 73% offered milk and/or water instead of just soft drinks
• 85% encouraged people to bring healthier options such as a vegetable tray
• 58% cut down on dessert options or offered healthier options such as fruit

Since attending the lesson 88% of participants have reached almost 300 other people with the food safety information.