One of the unique aspects of the PhytoRx Families program is the opportunity for parents (or caregivers) and their children to learn and build healthy eating and cooking skills together. Our program engages families every other week for 90 minutes in-person at each NC Cooperative Extension Center. During this time, adults and youth learn about healthy eating with their peers for about 40 minutes, then come together to cook a family meal in the last 50 minutes of each session.
Many of the parents/caregivers in our pilot study shared that engaging together as a family in each session increased their child’s willingness to try new fruits and vegetables, and to help with meal planning and preparation at home.
Numerous studies have linked the benefits of cooking at home to increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, reduced BMI, and improved general health.
The ability and confidence to prepare healthy meals may factor into the decision-making around healthy eating. For example, a 2018 study found that the perception of adequate cooking skills among emerging adults predicted better nutrition-related health outcomes ten years later as adults.
Thus, while our PhytoRx Familis pilot study is limited by a small sample size, the results demonstrate promise for improving youth health and nutrition outcomes among rural program participants. Pre-adolescence and adolescence are key periods for engaging youth and helping them develop cooking and healthy-eating skills. We’re excited to continue pilot testing the program in the summer of 2026 and look forward to sharing more program results soon!
