Making the Connection: Access and Availability of Locally Produce and Culinary Inspiration for Healthier Lifestyle Choices

Objective

To provide an immersive experience connecting consumers to local agriculture to improve healthier meal preparation. Use of Research: Agritourism educational events have the ability to increase knowledge of locally grown produce, increase sales, change knowledge, and increase consumption of produce (Brune et., al. 2021).

Target Audience

Adults.

Program Description

A partnership between a local farm and an extension agent began in the Fall of 2021 to bring a seasonal program to the farm's market. Weekly 1-hour classes featuring seasonal produce grown on the farm or locally were developed. The sessions consisted of nutrition information, cooking inspiration, storage, knife skills, food waste, and food safety. A cooking demonstration with a featured recipe was provided with sampling. Each participant received an educational handout to support the session. The agent brought in all cooking equipment for each weekly class. All produce required for recipe testing and classes was donated by the farm. Any additional items were secured by the agent and were covered by the $3 program fee. Due to the success, the program has continued each spring and fall season since 2021.

Evaluation Methods

Evaluation was completed using a paper survey provided and collected at the end of each class. The survey data was entered into Qualtrics to assess and summarize the impacts.

Results

Since inception 33 classes with 508 total participants with 88% (447) completing post program surveys. The results indicated a knowledge gain of 86% (383) how to prepare fresh produce, 68% (302) utilizing fresh herbs in a recipe, 75% (333) freezing fresh produce, 84% (376) healthy cooking methods to prepare fresh produce, 61% (274) reducing food waste when preparing fresh produce, 55% (248) health benefits of fresh produce, and 68% (305) food safety.

Conclusions

This unique format of education provides access to local produce, an experience to gain culinary and health related knowledge, try new foods, adopt eating practices for better health and apply principles to improve health outcomes.

Funding

None