Heart disease and cancer are the two top causes of death in Fulton County, according to 1998 Kentucky Vital Statistics. As more research uncovers new components in our food (phytochemicals), there is a need for education about functional foods and how they can impact our health. The Community Health Status Report for Fulton County 2000 states that 84.3% of residents consume few fruits and vegetables. A lesson for the Extension Homemakers Association was developed for the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and taught to lesson leaders for clubs across the Purcase Area. These leaders, in turn, taught this information to each of their extension homemaker clubs, eventually reaching 2103 extension homemakers in the Purchase Area. This information was also shared in programs in Senior Citizens centers in Fulton and Hickman reaching 33 individuals. Samples of recipes or functional foods
were offered as well as resource information for clients, sometimes introducing them to new foods or healthier ways of preparing foods. The lesson leaders indicated in surveys that 100% of them plan to make changes in their food shopping habits, such as buying more functional foods. This presentation will be offered to other groups, as needed.