FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2004) – Visitors to the 2004 Kentucky State Fair have chosen their favorite meal.

At the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ fair display this summer, guests were asked to pick their favorite meal from three options. The clear winner is: burger with trimmings, French fries and a chocolate shake. This meal got 3,490 votes.

Coming in second with 2,189 votes was the meal of fajitas, Mexican rice, mango/jicama salad and peach cobbler.

Third place was broiled fish, steamed broccoli and carrots, whole wheat bread and fresh fruit with 988 votes.

The nutrition content for each meal follows.

Burger meal: 39 g fat; 128 g carbohydrates; 37 g protein; 1,000 calories

Fajita meal: 64 g fat; 171 g carbohydrates; 74 g protein; 1,556 calories

Fish meal: 3 g fat, 51 g carbohydrates, 26 g protein, 315 calories

The voting activity not only indicates the eating preferences of many Kentuckians; it was also a reminder to fairgoers that with food stamp benefits, people can make even their favorite meals at home with healthy ingredients like fruits, vegetables and fresh meats.

Food stamp benefits are a service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are administered in Kentucky by the cabinet’s Division of Family Support, part of the Department for Community Based Services. They help qualified households stretch their food budgets.

Some people who are eligible for food benefits may not know they qualify or don’t take advantage of the service, said Ron Kelien, supervisor of the division’s Nutrition Assistance and Accountability Branch. "Even a small amount can help adults or families get nutritious food for their monthly meals."

Seniors in particular may consider their eligibility, Kelien said. For instance, if a person in a household is 60 or older and meets other requirements, the household can have up to $3,000 in resources – like checking and savings accounts – and qualify for food benefits.

For more information about applying for food stamps, call (502) 564-7050.

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