In September, Loudoun County Extension collaborated with Loudoun Hunger Relief to hold a Cooking on a Budget program at the Sterling Library.

In this area of Loudoun County, 10% of the population is food insecure and 28% of households fall within the asset-limited, income-constrained, employed (ALICE) demographic. Cooking on a Budget was developed by Loudoun Hunger Relief to teach income-constrained individuals how to prepare veggie-forward dishes, which are an inexpensive form of nutrition.

Woman stands behind a table at a farmers market.
Emily Jacobs, nutrition educator, shares a food tasting at the farmers market. Photo by Loudoun Cooperative Extension for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Emily Jacobs, nutrition educator, worked with four Master Food Volunteers to implement the program in partnership with Loudoun Hunger Relief. Over the course of one month, nine participants learned how to prepare nutritious food on a budget. The program was impactful because it taught participants how to cook vegetables, save on grocery bills, and connect with local food and financial resources. All who participated in the program reported an intent to cook more vegetables at home.

Within the past year, the Loudoun County Extension office has taken great strides to integrate and bolster their nutrition and financial education programs. Stuart Vermaak, unit coordinator and food safety Extension agent, secured local funds to hire a nutrition educator and financial educator to work in the Loudoun County Extension office. Emily Jacobs, nutrition educator, and Abbey Burnett, financial literacy educator, have begun their work with Loudoun County, and they are already making valuable contributions to their community.

- Written by Emma Todoroff, Ph.D., associate initiative leader for Health & Well-being and Emily Jacobs, nutrition education facilitator.