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Marion County is home to more than 375,000 people. Nearly 64% of the population are categorized as either overweight or obese. More than 87% of the population does not consume the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Growing one’s own food contributes to the local food system and can lead to increased vegetable consumption and improve health.

Objectives
This program was created to educate the public on the connections between sustainable food production and healthy living. The objective was to increase knowledge and to demonstrate behavior change regarding the sustainable production of food crops and Florida-Friendly Foodscaping, increase conservation of water for irrigation, and increase consumption of health-promoting fresh fruits and vegetables.

Methods
Participants engaged in an all-day program that consisted of five presentations about sustainable gardening, hydroponics production, efficient irrigation, Florida-Friendly Foodscaping, and linking health to diet. Participants were provided with seed packets, fertilizer, sweet potato slips, hydroponic growing kit, a locally adapted fruit tree and herb, and printouts of the program material.  Participants had the option to use a Veggie Meter® which is a non-invasive device that detects carotenoids, a type of antioxidant, in the skin. 

 Results
A total of 173 individuals participated in this program. Post program evaluations and six-month evaluations have been collected, demonstrated substantial changes in knowledge and behavior changes. 100% of individuals indicated they eat more fruits and vegetables, 86% increased over all wellness, 79% used FFL principles, 71% grow their food at home. The participants who received a Veggie Meter® score also reported they changed their behavior specifically because they receive their score.
Conclusions
Presenting a comprehensive food systems program, providing edible plants, and take-home garden kits can reduce barriers to positive behavior change. The UF/IFAS Extension Plant to Plate program encourages the adoption of sustainable gardening practices that will lead to healthier lifestyles. A healthier public will have less chronic lifestyle-related diseases, will live longer, and reduce healthcare-related costs. The use of the Veggie Meter® has significant potential to be used globally as a tool to increase positive behavior changes across many areas of extension and far beyond.