Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Our population in Iowa is aging. Many older adults are widowed and face the change of cooking and shopping for one, empty-nesters find it difficult to cut back after preparing food for years for a hungry family, and health problems may lead to special diets all of whick make preparing food for one or two to be a challenge. For many who are dealing with the changes of this lifestage, getting over the attitude that "it does not matter what food I fix when it is just for me" may be the most important hurdle to overcome.

Response:
The Field Specialist prepared a program called "Cooking for One or Two" as a result of consumer requests. A power point presentation and handouts were provided for participants. It was presented to 75 participants as part of the Less is More Senior Wellness Series at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge , presented again at two Community Senior Fairs, one held in Fort Dodge reaching 90 participants from a 9 county area and in Iowa Falls reaching 38 participants. The program explained the importance of eating a healthy diet, reviewed MyPyramid as a guideline for how much of each food group to eat daily, used the Nutrition Facts label for special diets and provided tips for grocery shopping as healthy meals start with the grocery store shopping list. Quick cooking tips, easy recipes for 1 or 2, examples of convenient utensils to make food preparation go faster and guidelines for reducing their favorite recipes were shared along with basic food safety reminders.

Impact:
Participants found the information that explained MyPyramid very useful because it helped them establish what they needed to eat each day. They could identify what needed to be included in each meal to reach the goal of the amount they needed from each food group. Participants appreciated the quick recipes designed for one or two people. They recognized that their health is affected by what they eat and that eating healthy does not have to be time-consuming or labor-intensive. They felt encouraged to make healthy meals important even if for just one. "The information was practical and easy to understand. She has encouraged me to keep more healhty foods on hand and plan meals."

Contact:
Paulelda Gilbert
Webster County Extension
108 S 8th Street
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
515-576-2119
pgilbert@iastate.edu