In a 2016 study by the CDC, it was reported that 26.6% of residents in Carlisle County were considered "obese" and 10.6% were diagnosed with diabetes.  Health issues such as diabetes and obesity are often preventable and manageable with proper diet and nutrition.  One way to make foods more enticing without compromising their nutritional value is by using a variety of herbs and spices in our food preparation.  

In March 2020, 15 men and women were able to expand their knowledge of healthy food preparation through Cultural Diversity in Foods.  Participants explored how herbs and spices are used around the globe, and how those herbs and spices and alter the flavor and palatability of every day foods.  A demonstration using kitchen staples chicken and brown rice provided an opportunity to taste how easily a common meal can be changed into something fresh and new.

100% of participants sampled and agreed that minor recipe alterations made a large impact on the final outcome.  100% of participants found the information both useful and practical.  67% of participants stated they will definitely implement more culturally diverse flavors into their meal preparation.