Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Amy Stooksbury
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Practical Living Class ImprovementsThe 2015-16 program review report card for Todd County Middle School showed Practical Living Studies needed improvement. As a result, the Todd County NEP paraprofessional was invited to work with the 7th and 8th grade students in the practical living class during the 2016-17 school year. The Todd County NEP paraprofessional taught 6 sessions each semester of “My Plate” to 7th and 8th graders. The students were taught how to select
Author: Alta Hutchison
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Walker Early Learning Center felt it was important to lay a solid foundation in regard to hand washing being the number one health and safety rule. School administration called and asked that the Cooperative Extension Service emphasize hand washing this year. LEAP Books are read monthly to all kindergarten students by Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant. Hand washing was discussed and practiced at all times food samples were served and one book focused on th
Author: Gwen O'Cull
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Volunteers are the back bone of any successful program. One example is the Fleming County Back Pack program. This program was started in 2000, by the of Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program and Fleming County Extension Service. The Back Pack Program continues to grow due to the support of local community volunteers partnering with the Fleming County Extension Service and the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) assistant. This program serves stu
Author: Gwen O'Cull
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Comprehend is a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Outpatient Services, made up of men and women, who are court appointed, that meets twice a week with counselors. The Fleming County Extension and Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant (EFNEP) program, was invited to come in once a week and help them with their nutritional needs Addiction can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. This group changes every three months when the class graduates from the program. Healthy Cho
Author: Gwen O'Cull
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Self esteem is critical in the growing years of children, especially females. Fleming County Extension EFNEP Assistant and staff work with our local Elementary Schools and hosts an after school program called Healthy Divas for 12 weeks. This program is open for any 5 and 6 grade girls at risk or not in any other school activity. The Program Assistant leads this program every week with the help of her Agent, School Principal, and Family Resource Center at the school. This past year there wer
Author: Heather Shaw
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
25% of Metcalfe Countians live below poverty according to 2015 KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services data. The county has 1 homeless shelter and it is owned by Bowling Park. The shelter can house up to 6 individuals, and most days of the most it houses at least 2. People who are without a home may stay in the shelter for 1 month. While there, park staff helps them with resources for housing and food. The park contacted the SNAP- Education Assistant in the county to wo
Author: Heather Shaw
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to CEDIK data, 35% of adults in Metcalfe County are obese. Metcalfe County also lacks access to healthcare, with 2017 data showing only 1 primary care facility physician and a need of 27 according to county population. The Family and Consumer Science Agent has been holding Worksite Wellness classes at the largest industrial employer for several years. In this past year, the SNAP-Education Program Assistant was invited to come as well. The FCS continues to
Author: Patara Strunk
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
“CELERY SMELLS LIKE DEATH” May 19, 2017PATARA STRUNKEFNEP ASSISTANTPERRY COUNTY, KYAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in October 31, 2016 approximately 17 percent (12.5 million) of children and adolescents ages 2-19 are obese. Obesity is a huge problem within our population in eastern KY.Sources (Kentucky healthfacts.org) state that 40% of adults in Perry county KY have a BMI of greater than 30.0.The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food a
Author: Patara Strunk
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
SUCCESS WITH COMMUNITY LIVING SUPPORT STAFFPatara StrunkEFNEP AssistantPerry County KYDirect support staff needed additional training on living a healthy lifestyle, for themselves and the individuals they assist in the community living situations in which they work.University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in Perry county KY provided nutrition education classes for the staff employed by a community living agency that had residences located in Perry County KY.The positive effects of th
Author: Patara Strunk
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
“MILK DOES A BODY GOOD”05/19/2017PATARA STRUNKEFNEP ASSISTANTPERRY COUNTY, KYThe setting is a small rural school in the hills of eastern KY. Health education is not a regular class at this location. As a result, the youth have limited knowledge about eating nutritious food. Many of these students come from limited resource homes.The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment Cooperative Extension Service, in conjunction with the Perry County school
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Reda Fugate SNAP-ED Perry County, KY Hunger in the Summer The Kentucky Association of Food Banks statistics state 22% of youth in Kentucky (1 in 6) struggle with hunger every day. With this issue in mind, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment, Cooperative Extension Service, Perry County office combined efforts with the Perry County School Distr
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Reda E. Fugate Perry County, KY SNAP-ED Assistant Senior 2017 From Family Farm to Family Table The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Cooperative Extension service(SNAP-ED) Perry County office in conjunction with Perry County (SNAP) S
Author: Robin Burton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
A series of nutrition classes was recently completed at the Grayson County Food Pantry. This series started in January 2017 and ran through July 2017. Individuals who came early to stand in line and wait for their commodities, were given the opportunity to enter the facility earlier than others if they chose to participate in the Nutrition Classes. Once class was over, each person was given their commodities immediately before the doors were even open to the public. The curri
Author: Robin Burton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Lunch & Learn Series of classes were targeted toward adults who were unable to attend nutrition classes during the day or afternoons.Individuals came, brought and ate their lunch while learning how to prepare healthier meals for themselves and their families. The curriculum that was used was, “Healthy Choices for Every Body.” The Nutrition Educator also partnered with the Family and Consumer Science Agent’s program “Get Moving Grayson County,” to
Author: Barbara Campbell
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Participants of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren group meet monthly with the SNAP-Ed assistant in Fleming County. With the focus being on lack of exercise of the grandchildren and how to get them up going, lessons from the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum and suggestions from the Teen Cuisine Leaders Guide were combined and discussed with the class by the Nutrition Education Assistant along with the Family Focus Resource Coordinator. Before the class ended participants we
Author: Courtney Rogers
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Drug addictions can have a serious impact on decision making and the ability to care for oneself. The Franklin County Drug Court provides rehabilitation opportunities to individuals who committed low-level crimes but want to maintain sobriety, find work and be well. In a partnership with the Franklin County Extension Office, drug court participants attended seven SNAP-Ed nutrition lessons with cooking skill sessions. The goal was to re-establish positive relationships with food in individuals re
Author: Courtney Rogers
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
ThornHill Learning Center makes completing a GED under unconventional circumstances obtainable for residents in Franklin County. When ThornHill educators noticed that many of their students come to school with prepacked snacks and meals, they responded by asking for SNAP-Ed’s help. Parents and pregnant mothers working on their GED, underemployed single males with diplomas or GEDs in progress, and educational staff gathered together for a nutrition education program that focused on building
Author: Kathryn Wimberley
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Straw Bale Garden Success Story from July 2017. On July 25, 2017, the children's class of Oscar Cross Boys' and Girls' Club met at McCracken County Extension Office to enjoy a meal featuring vegetables they grew in straw bales at the Club. This meal finished their special summer event. This program began when Agent for 4H, Agent for Horticulture and Club Director of Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club brainstormed about how to use a grant to the Club in the amount of
Author: Robin Burton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Center for Disease Control reports more than 40% of daily caloric intake for adolescents ranging in age from 2-18, come from empty calories such as solid fats and added sugars. Furthermore, half of these calories come from sodas, fruit and sports drinks, desserts, pizza, and whole milk. The Kentucky Core Academic Standards require students grades Kindergarten through eighth and high school students as well, be taught curriculum that focuses on nutrition. This curriculu
Author: Robin Burton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In Kentucky alone, there are 1.8 million girls of many different ages, who are in a Girl Scout Troop; and over 800,000 adult volunteers working with this organization. Although The Girl Scouts are known for selling cookies, they are also known for many other accomplishments as well. Girl Scout troops many times participate in different community projects that can help improve and maintain the neighborhoods where they live and also to protect the planet; likewise, they learn many life skill
Author: Bobbie Hancock
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Partnership Community GardenNEP partnered with Bluegrass Community Action in offering 10 weeks of teaching the curriculum of “Health Choice for Everybody” to the Senior Center group. The lessons were held at the Mercer Co Extension Office each week. There were 12 Adult Seniors that participate with 11 completing the program. After trying new recipes and learning the importance of needing vegetables in their diet, they became very interested in wanting to grow some vegetables. Some st
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Dating and Food SafetyThe Johnson County SNAP-Ed Assistant held a series 10 of nutrition lessons with the Johnson County Senior Citizens Center. During one of the lessons, 70% of the clients talked about not understanding the different types of dates on their food products. They thought foods were ok to eat as long as they smelled and looked good. They also had concerns on food waste and how to properly store leftovers when cooking for one or two people. During the next visit the Johnson Co
Author: Marcia Moss
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In August of 2013 the Bullitt County Extension Service,Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant and the Bullitt County Detention Center became partners to bring healthy eating to the men in the Substance Abuse Program. In the four years that this program has been in existence there has been 438 men that have signed on for the program. This is a voluntary program. 217 have graduated as of this August which is just shy of being half of the original number.Though not all of th
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Reda Fugate August, 2017 SNAP-ED Program Assistant Senior Perry County, KY The Perry County Cooperative Extension Service was asked to do a public relations event to demonstrate the various ways families could utilize fresh vegetables. In alliance with the Perry County Farmers Market, and Fresh Stop Market. A demonstration was held for 10 families using Nutrition Education Program Curriculum, ‘
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Limited resources and the cost of fruits and vegetables makes eating healthy a difficult task for residents throughout Bell County. To help low income families and local residents be able to receive fresh vegetable that are locally grown the Bell County Cooperative Extension Snap-Ed Program partnered with the Bell County Forestry Camp Horticulture Program and Lighthouse Mission Food Pantry. While the Forestry Camp inmates grew the fresh produce, the SNAP-Ed program delivered the produce to the
Author: Morgan King
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the most recent studies of 2011 21% of Kentucky youth ages 2 -17 are considered obese. Greenup Co. has an obesity rate of 31.9%. The obesity rate of Greenup County is higher than the state average. This results in an even higher risk of developing serious chronic diseases. In collaboration with Greysbranch Elementary and the Greenup co. Extension services: The Snap- Ed assistant held a ten week series that was provided to the students at Greysbranch Elementary.125 Students Part
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Reda E. Fugate SNAP-ED program Assistant Senior Perry County, KYBad to Good The Center for Disease Control reported that 75.8 % of Kentuckians ate fruits or drank 100% fruit juice less than 2 times per day. Vegetable consumption was 89.1 % less than 3 times per dayThe Perry County Cooperative Extension office in Collaboration with Save the Children did a series of 7 Nutrition Education classes using Nutrition Education Program curriculu
Author: Michael Lewis
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The purpose of this project was initially to increase the access of nutrient dense local food for the inmates in the county but the project has evolved significantly. Several of the inmates have begun to take ownership over the project, including learning inventory, production, and marketing skills. Currently two inmates set up at the farmers every Saturday and market the excess produce to the public. To quote one of the inmates, " This is the first time anyone has treated me with dig
Author: Patara Strunk
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Patara StrunkEFNEP Assistant in Perry CountySeptember 1, 2017WHY IS CARAMEL COLORING IN MY BREAD?The Cooperative Extension Service in collaboration with Kentucky River Community Care presented a series of Nutrition classes to a group of 6 ladies, three of which were pregnant. The nutrition classes were part of a parenting class for drug rehabilitation participants.The EFNEP assistant in Perry County taught “Healthy Choices for Everybody”. Meal planning, budgeting as well
Author: Morgan King
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the most recent studies of 2011 21% of Kentucky youth ages 2 -17 are considered obese. Greenup Co. has an obesity rate of 31.9%. The obesity rate of Greenup County is higher than the state average. This results in an even higher risk of developing serious chronic diseases. In collaboration with Wurtland Preschool and the Greenup co. Extension services: The Snap- Ed assistant held a six week series that was provided to the students at Wurtland Preschool. 15 Students Participated
Author: Heather Shaw
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Kentucky has one of the highest prevalence for pediatric obesity in the nation. Approximately 38% of Kentucky children ages 10-17 years are considered overweight or obese according to BMI-for-age standards. The local high school teacher contacted the Cooperative Extension office SNAP-Education Assistant for help to get youth on the right track. The assistant and teacher planned to introduce all Freshmen youth to the
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Stretching Food DollarsOf the 67 graduated SNAP-Ed participants, NEERS data shows a 20% increase in acceptable food resource management practices from entry into the SNAP-Ed classes to the completion of the series. These resource management practices include planning meals, comparing prices, using a grocery shopping list, and not running out of food by the end of the month which becomes a huge worry for low income families.Through the SNAP-Ed Program, classes are offered at several facilit
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~No Sodium Doesn’t Mean Bland FoodAccording to NEERS data, 48% of the participants from various facilities in the SNAP-Ed program, showed improvement in reducing their sodium intake after completing the Healthy Choices for Every Body Education Series. A total of 67 people graduated from the SNAP-Ed program in 2017.A lady with several health concerns was limited on her sodium intake. She complained that without salt her foods had little flavor and tasted bland. After rece
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~The Influence of a DollAccording to the CDC Obesity Prevalence Map in 2015, Kentucky’s obesity rate was between 30% - 35% of the state’s population. This high percentage may lead to high rate of the chronic diseases in the state. It is important to start with the younger population to reduce this high percentage of obesity and disease in Kentucky. The Organ Annie and the Organ Wise Guys were utilized by the SNAP-Ed program in Boyd County to teach children about pro
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Don’t Throw Away!A local housing shelter received ground turkey donations from grocery stores, which usually was not used and had to be discarded due to the residents saying either they did not like the ground turkey or they did not know how to use the food item. Upon learning this, the SNAP-Ed program conducted a class to discuss MyPlate food groups. As a food sampling during this class, a recipe of “Sloppy Garden Joes” was prepared using ground turkey. Seve
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Nutrition Education Program 2016 Annual Report for Butler County, in 2014 an estimated 2,596 Butler County Residents lived in poverty, of which 875 were children. This is an 11.6% increase in childhood poverty since 2007. The Center for Disease Control Data Indicators for 2013 show 33.2% of Butler County Residents were considered obese in representation of the country’s population. These numbers are astounding, and clearly show a correlation between pover
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According the KY State Nutrition, Physical and Obesity Profile from the Center for Disease Control (2012), KY youth and adolescents, ages 2-19, are obese at a rate of 17 percent. The Lawrence County Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant (EFNEP) implemented the Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary (LEAP) program with kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades. The programs were implemented at Blaine, Fallsburg, and Louisa Elementary Schools. The EFNEP Assistant enrolled and graduated 2
Author: Danielle Fairchild
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~In the state of Kentucky, the number of adults that are in less than good health is 23%. In Lawrence County the percentage is higher at 34% (KentuckyHealthFacts.org). With this information in mind, the United Way Born Learning Academy program was established to meet the critical needs of early childhood parental education in Kentucky communities. United Way Born Learning Academy is a school based workshop series that teaches parents and caregivers of children (up to five years of a
Author: Danielle Fairchild
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Nearly 36% of Kentucky’s youth are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for serious health problems (healthiergeneration.org). The Lawrence County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) assistant worked with the three elementary schools in Lawrence County for 2016-2017 calendar year to establish a program that addressed the needs of the students. The SNAP-Ed assistant used the “Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary” (LEAP) curriculum for this program. T
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
From 2010-14, only 55% of pregnant women received an adequate amount of prenatal care throughout their pregnancy (KY Health Facts). In addition, from 2011-13, 13.2% of babies weighed less than 5.5 pounds at birth (Kids County Data Center). The Lawrence County Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) assistant partnered with the Addiction Recovery Center to offer Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum to pregnant women at a local addiction recovery housing center. The directors were l
Author: Harriet Brown
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
My Plate Gets “Organ Wise”©The Gallatin County Nutrition Education Program Assistant made monthly visits to the Gallatin County Elementary School and presented My Plate the "Organ Wise Guys" Way curriculum to five second grade classrooms. This fun and informative curriculum brings to life the Organ Wise Guys characters who are used to personify the major body organs and to teach four healthy eating messages, which are low fat, high fiber, lots of water and plenty
Author: Rachel Wright
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Fruits and Vegetables contribute important nutrients for the human body. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the average Kentuckian only eats vegetables one time per day. The United States Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines recommends an average of 2 ½ cups from the vegetable group per day. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant in Rockcastle County, KY partnered with the local Farmer’s Market and Senior Citizens Center to enc
Author: Rachel Wright
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The main source of dairy consumption is consumed through milk. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant noticed many residents in Rockcastle County, KY were consuming “Vitamin D” or whole milk. When asked about their milk choice, residence stated it was healthier.A seven week program on Healthy Choices was offered in Rockcastle County, Kentucky at the local Extension Office to middle aged adults. A lesson on MyPlate was taught with a focus on dairy and the nutrit
Author: Rachel Wright
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Kentucky now has the fifth highest adult obesity rate in the nation, according to The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America released September 2016. Kentucky’s current obesity rate is 34.6%. In Rockcastle County, KY that rate is above the state average at 39.4%.The Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant in Rockcastle County, KY partnered with a local company to offer a Healthy Choices Class for employees. 11 employees enrolled in the Healthy Choices class. The curriculu
Author: Heather Shaw
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Youth in Metcalfe County no longer have access to a Family and Consumer Sciences class at the middle school or high school. Due to budget cuts, the choice was made to end those programs. However there is still a strong need for children to learn cooking skills that they can use throughout their entire lives. The middle school currently has a 21st CCLC grant in place and hired a new director this past March. The new director contacted the extension office to request cookin
Author: Harriet Brown
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Good Health SkillathonProbably we have all heard the Proverb—“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” or “He who enjoys good health is rich, though he knows it not.”— Italian Proverb. This is so true! What a good reason to make it ones’ priority to target children with information on healthy choices to promote good health!The Gallatin County Nutrition Program Assistant took part in a Good Health Skillathon to promote healthy choices knowledge t
Author: Joel Worth
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Nutrition labels help individuals who want to know the health benefits of eating food and much more. Labels inform a person of portion size, the calories, nutritional values, ingredients, where it is produced and health claims, if any, of the food they want to consume. A rehabilitation house for men in Jefferson County participated in the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program through the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service. Reading Food Labels for Everybody was the lesson taught. The c
Author: Joel Worth
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Yes, studies have shown that most people eat way too much saturated fats, sugar, and sodium and do not get their daily amounts of fruits and vegetables. A rehabilitation house for men in Jefferson County participated in the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program through the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service. The program: Eating Healthy for Everybody was offered and lessons on MY Plate and Knowing the Limits were taught. The benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables were disc
Author: Alta Hutchison
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
A 2013 CDC report shows that Kentucky ranks 49 out of 50 states, putting us next to lowest on fruit and vegetable consumption by adults compared to other states. The same study showed adolescents to have lower consumption of fruits and vegetables than their adult counterparts. Health Rocks Day Camp is a week-long summer camp for 8-12 year old children. The camp is a partnership between extension, school elementary family resources centers, and other community agencies. During the week appr
Author: Alta Hutchison
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office was asked to partner with the Wayne County School’s Mobile Summer Feeding Program unit in regard to hand washing before meals. Many of the children are served meals at the local park and subdivisions. The children come in from playtime and in the past have exhibited unwashed hands. A portable hand washing station was used in conjunction with LEAP books being read that focused on healthy habits. At least twelve different LEAP
Author: Stacy Smith
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
It is extremely important for young children to know where their food comes from and to know how it grows. By knowing where their food comes from, they are more likely to try new foods and help prepare family meals. A study conducted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) found that in 2007–2010, 60% of children aged 1–18 years did not meet U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Patterns fruit intake recommendations, and 93% did not meet vegetable recommendations. The
Author: Stacy Smith
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the US Census Bureau, in Clinton County, there are more than 2400 people over the age of 60 and over 600 live alone. This can create great challenges for those individuals in regards to their overall health; primarily their physical health, mental health, and nutritional needs. In several cases, these individuals tend to let their nutritional needs lapse for the opportunity to socialize and for the convenience of ready-made and restaurant foods. As a result, thei
Author: Sherry Ragsdale
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In the fall of 2016, East Oldham Middle School students learned how to be more self-reliant in the kitchen through a six week series of after-school cooking and nutrition classes. The EFNEP assistant, 4-H agent, and 4-H assistant partnered to teach sixteen students how to cook and eat healthier. Lessons included reading and following a recipe, using proper cooking and measuring techniques, planning a nutritious meal, and proper food and kitchen safety. Several participants surprised
Author: Sherry Ragsdale
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse asserts that successful addiction treatment helps an addict become drug-free, stay drug free, and be a productive member of the family. In an effort to address the latter, the Oldham County Extension EFNEP assistant partnered with Roderer Correctional Complex to bring nutrition education to their substance abuse program. Lessons from the Healthy Choices curriculum focused on helping prepare inmates for a healthier lifestyle upon returning to their
Author: Bobbie Hancock
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
HEAD STARTThe Nutrition Education Program Asst partnered with Head Start where the Program Assistant met with three different classrooms each month to
Author: Courtney Rogers
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Franklin County Women and Family Shelter houses individuals and families who experience homelessness. Addiction, a major health event, or terminating an unhealthy relationship are among the reasons that individuals seek refuge here. During transition, one may be without income and it can take months to receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Subsiding on donations and soup kitchen meals only, the SNAP-Ed program found accessible recipes to pair with nutrition les
Author: Viola Wood
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to a national survey of secondary family and consumer sciences programs the enrollment in a Home Economics class or Family and Consumer sciences class has gone down to 38% fewer enrolled over the past 10 years. This means that less students are receiving the opportunity to learn basic life skills such as food safety, cooking skills, recipe reading and meal planning. Basic life skills such as cooking techniques, food safety and meal planning should be taught at an early age in ord
Author: Viola Wood
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to a study that was completed by the National Institutes of Health, children in the United States are consuming almost three snacks per day and those snacks account for up to 27 percent of that child’s daily caloric intake. Snacking has not only grown over the years but children are eating more snacks that are high in calories, sodium and sugars. In the study completed by the National Institutes of Health elementary school aged children tend to be snacking more on salty snacks an
Author: Leticia Hughes
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to CEDIK, Edmonson County, KY has an obesity rate of 34%, and 15% of Edmonson County residents lack adequate access to food. The Edmonson County SNAP-Ed Assistant collaborated with various community agencies during 2017 to deliver nutrition programs to 79 adult clients with limited resources. The program had a 92% graduation rate for the adults who completed all educational requirements of the program. Among the participants there were 16 men who participated, and 57% of the participan
Author: Leticia Hughes
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to CEDIK, Edmonson County, KY has an obesity rate of 34%, and 15% of Edmonson County residents lack adequate access to food. Edmonson County also has a 29% child poverty rate. The Edmonson County SNAP-Ed Assistant collaborated with local schools, preschools, and the Head Start Agency to deliver nutrition programs to youth in Edmonson County. During 2017 there were a total of 16 youth groups that received the Nutrition Education Program. There were a 120 males, and 124 females with a to
Author: Leticia Hughes
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
During the 2016-2017 program year the Edmonson County SNAP-Ed Assistant piloted a program utilizing Facebook LIVE to teach the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum to limited resource residents of Edmonson County. Due to the lack of public transportation in a rural county, limited number of program facilities, and residents leaving the county for work, this program was utilized to overcome those barriers in Edmonson County.The SNAP-Ed Assistant piloted two programs using Facebook LIVE to de
Author: Leticia Hughes
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to CEDIK, Edmonson County, KY has an obesity rate of 34%, and 15% of Edmonson County residents lack adequate access to food. The Edmonson County SNAP-Ed Assistant collaborated with the Edmonson County Senior Center during 2017 to deliver the nutrition program 16 adult clients who have limited resources. 88% of these adults were over 60 years of age, and the lessons were conduction 100% in a group setting at the Edmonson County Senior Center. Among these adults there were 5 men who grad
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Kentucky now has the fifth highest adult obesity rate in the U.S. being at 34.6% in the nation. Adults from 18-25 are at 17.8%, ranging up to age 64-and up being at 31.2%. The rate for adult genders are at a close comparison with men being at 31.6% and women at 31.2%. In Johnson County the adult obesity rate is at 39.4% and rising. Most of these adults are in the working class and are sedentary most of the work week. After gathering this information the Johnson County SNAP-Ed assistant and the l
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Driven by the previous success of the partnership between Pike County Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and WestCare in Ashcamp, we were excited to extend it into its fifth year ! WestCare is a non-profit organization whose services include substance abuse and addiction treatment and programs that treat issues such as mental health and domestic violence. Most new residents at WestCare have never had access to information regarding good nutritional practi
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Pike County Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program entered into its fifth year of partnership with the Pike County Detention Center and WestCare to provide nutritional classes to female clients.The My Plate curriculum was employed as residents learned how to prepare fresh, healthy foods using each of the food groups. They gained skills in meal planning, budgeting for food spending, food safety and proper exercise. Family health was emphasized as they lear
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Expanded Food Nutritional Education Program in Pike County KY has partnered with West Care Rehabilitation to teach their male residents /clients about nutrition by teaching My Plate Curriculum. Residents learned how to read recipes, measure, food safety, menu planning, portion control and how to make a grocery list. Residents helped with demonstration of recipes by measuring properly, using food safety and handing out portions samples.Forty men entered with 100 % completion of twelve le
Author: Connie Downey
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The kentuckyhealthfacts.org reports that 38% of the adult population in Clay County reported less than good health, 19% have diabetes, 47% have hypertension and 40% reports lack of physical activity. Throughout the year the SNAP-Ed assistant has partnered with Remnant Bread of Life Food Panty to help teach their clients to make healthy choices in their diets and to stretch their food dollars.Four women have been coming in each month to get a food box and have participated in the program. These w
Author: Connie Downey
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The kentuckyhealthfacts.org reports that 38% of the adult population in Clay County is obese. Throughout the year the SNAP-Ed Assistant has been working with Chad’s Hope to teach their clients how to make healthy choices.During the course of one lesson in the program, titled Know the Limits for Every Body, which is about sugar, fat and sodium 6 of the participants decided that drinking soda was unhealthy after viewing the sugar tubes and reading the food label. They all gave up drinking so
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Pike County Cooperative Extension Service has partnered with Kimper Elementary School to provide health education opportunities for local students. By using the Professor Popcorn curriculum, students learned about MyPlate, which is a learning tool that teaches about the five food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Students learned how much should be eaten daily from each food group, as well as the importan
Author: Dianne Hayward
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Cumberland County is a small rural community population approx seven thousand residents .People are Limited to seven dine in restaurants ,five gas stations with food, three take out BBQ food venues and only two supermarkets sell fresh produce. However they do have two Farmers markets.Yet people still preferred buying at take outs or eating at the restaurants to buying fresh from the markets and cooking at home. Many have health issues but did not equate this to their eating patterns
Author: Donna Ridener
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Figures from the 2016 SNAP-Ed Annual Report show 37.1% of children in Kentucky are overweight or obese. That is up from the 2013 report showing 34.3%, with an obesity rate of 19.7% for 10-17 year olds. The McCreary County Extension SNAP-Ed Program partnered with Pine Knot Intermediate School to bring nutrition education classes to the 4th-6th grades, featuring, Surviving a Fast Food Nation and Re-think Your Drink programs. We met with the students one day a month for seven months.
Author: Donna Ridener
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Nutrition Education Program 2016 Annual Report there 5,975 McCreary County residents receiving SNAP benefits. That is an increase of 13.7% since 2007. SNAP participation in the U.S. is 83%, Kentucky SNAP participation is 91%.After completing an adult nutrition education program using the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum in McCreary County, a participant shared how the group discussions had helped her be aware of how important eating healthy, drinking water a
Author: Donna Ridener
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The McCreary County Extension Office partners with the McCreary County Senior Citizens using the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum to educate senior citizens in our county. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2015 there were an estimated 2,512 adults age 65 and over in McCreary County. By 2020 seniors 65 and over is projected to be 3,058. Of these, 279 are projected to be age 85 and over. 31% of senior citizens in McCreary County have arthritis, 51% have high cholest
Author: Rebecca Parrent
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~The Crittenden County Extension Service partnered with the Inter Agency Council of Crittenden County to help provide food and Christmas gifts to limited resource families in the county. The families must attend three classes on topics including but not limited to food and nutrition, gardening, resume writing and financing to qualify for this program.The Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant offered two separate classes on food budgeting. Twenty families attended these
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to Kentucky County Healthcare Profiles: Breathitt County- Health Indicators from 2014, 39.8% of the adult population in Breathitt County is obese. Breathitt County SNAP Ed Assistant, Kati Noble, in partnership with Kentucky River Community Care, taught adults the Healthy Choices for Everybody Curriculum. Participants learned; how important it is to eat healthy, ways to save money at the grocery store, and food safety indicated by the use of an entry and exit form.Behavior change was in
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the 2016 Kentucky Kids Count data, 40% of Breathitt County children live in poverty. Breathitt County SNAP Ed Assistant, Kati Noble, in partnership with the Breathitt County Public Schools, taught the LEAP (Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary) Curriculum. During one visit with a Kindergarten class, the book “The Gigantic Turnip” was read to 27 students. Students learned about different vegetables that they could plant, and how to get those vegetables to grow.
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the 2016 Kentucky Kids Count data, Breathitt County rates 115 out of 120 counties for the health of children. Breathitt County SNAP Ed Assistant, Kati Noble, taught the Exploring My Plate with Professor Popcorn curriculum in partnership with Breathitt County Schools. During one visit to a 4th grade class, the MyPlate lesson was taught to 23 students. Students learned about making healthier choices, food safety, and the importance of eating a variety of different foods.Students
Author: Bobbie Hancock
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Creative Options“Healthy Choices for Everybody” was presented to a special needs group (Creative Options) once a month at the County Extension Office by the Nutrition Education Program assistant. Six people attended the class each month where t
Author: Velma Mullins
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to Kids Count Date, Laurel County was ranked eighty fifth in Kentucky for overall children’s wellbeing. The Laurel County Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant met with fifty-five kindergarten students at Campground Elementary. Six classes were taught using Discover My Plate curriculum. Ninety Five percent learned how to name the five MY Plate food groups and were able to identify food choices within each group. They learned the i
Author: Velma Mullins
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Center for Disease Control, foodborne illness affects about one in six Americans (or 48 million people), leading to one hundred twenty eight thousand hospitalizations and three thousand deaths every year. The Nutrition Education Program is a program offered by the Cooperative Extension Service that provides instruction for limited resource individuals and families to improve the nutritional quality of their diets, food safety and food resource management. The expande
Author: Janie Oliver
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Research shows that an alarming 33.5% of children, age 10-17, in the state of Kentucky are considered obese. Kentucky ranks 14th in the nation with the highest childhood obesity rate. In 2011, 4,921 Knott County residents were considered obese, representing 40.2% of the county’s population. National data indicates that dietary intakes of U.S. children and adolescents are less than optimal, citing fruit and vegetable consumption among youth as being a leading factor in the obesity sta
Author: Jennifer Shafer
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Cooking through the Calendar is an ongoing program conducted by the Marshall County SNAP-ED assistant at the local extension office. The program is open to all residents in the area, including families with small children. Each month participants receive a lesson from the “Healthy Choices for Everybody” curriculum and then work together to cook the recipe of the month from the current Food and Nutrition Calendar published by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.As
Author: Jennifer Shafer
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found that Kentucky ranks as the fifth highest rate of obesity in the nation. In an effort to improve the quality of life for Marshall County residents, the SNAP-ED assistant conducted monthly workshops at the Marshall County Exceptional Center (MCEC) over a period of nine months. The center provides services for residents with mental disabilities. With the help of staff at MCEC, every effort was made to accommodate higher and lower functioning p
Author: Jennifer Shafer
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 17% of children and adolescents nationwide are considered obese. In an effort to educate local children on how to take action of their health earlier in life, an eight-month Organwise Guys program was conducted with three Marshall County elementary schools. This curriculum was taught to students ages five to eight in grades Kindergarten through 2nd.The SNAP-ED assistant visited classrooms in each school once a month. Durin
Author: Jennifer Shafer
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
21.4% of the population in Marshall County, KY is made up of persons age 65 or older as reported by the United States Census Bureau. Equipped with this knowledge, the Marshall County SNAP-ED Assistant conducted a program at the local community kitchen encouraging seniors to participate in learning about nutrition, budgeting, and meal planning. Lessons from the “Healthy Choices for Everybody” curriculum were taught while “Healthy Choice” newsletters and recipe cards were u
Author: Omar Miralles
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
At an open house in one of the Jefferson County schools, a group of women passing with their kids by the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service booth were amazed by the amount of sugar that is consumed in their daily diet. After they realized the type of nutrition education classes that the Nutrition Education Program Assistant Brings to the community, they decided to join one of the several Hispanic-Latino groups. during the classes they learned the importance of portion control, t
Author: Omar Miralles
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
While doing a health fair at one of the Hispanic-Latino coalition events the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service was approached by one the organizers of that event who was seeking help with a Group of a recently arrived immigrants from different Spanish speaking countries that needed help with Nutrition education topics. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant explained the insights and details Of the program and they seemed to be really interested in the classes and set up a progra
Author: Patricia Nelson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education Assistant of Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with Head Start teachers and aides and taught the Literacy, Eating and Activity for Primary ages Nutrition Program to the youth classrooms for a period of eight one hour sessions.The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education Assistant observed the youth and listened to the lifestyle choices that most of the youth had made daily. Many of the youth watched exce
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Center for Disease Control, Kentucky has the 5th highest rate of obesity in the nation. In an effort to improve the quality of life for residents in Warren County the SNAP Education Assistant held many workshops on the following topics Meal Planning, How Read Food Labels, Understanding the MyPlate, Food Safety and Limiting Solids Fats, Added Sugars and Sodium. The workshops were taught to improve the overall health of people in Warren County.The Warren County NEP (Nutrition Educ
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The SNAP Education Assistant in Warren County conducted a food and nutrition series for Somalian, Swahili and Burmese refugees. The focus was to introduce them to Kentucky produce and how to make healthy choices. Many were relying on fast food and incurring health problems. The goal of Nutrition Education Program was to teach them how to prepare, cook and store fresh produce safely. There were seven lessons taught with a cooking component to each lesson. &n
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Many teens in Kentucky do not know how to cook nor do they know how to store foods safely. In fact when asked “How do you store a leftover pizza?” Eighty percent of kids said to leave the pizza on counter overnight. The Nutrition Education Program partnered with Community Education to present the Professor Popcorn curriculum. This program is designed to teach kids the healthy eating and food safety.This is a problem in Kentucky. Identifying healthy foods and food safety begins at an
Author: Karen Kummer
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
An adult group in Jefferson County participated in the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program through the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service. The lesson on My Plate was taught by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant, the importance of making half your plate fruits and vegetables along with the importance of being Physically active. The clients learned that fruits and vegetables are high in Fiber and Antioxidants as well as Vitamins and Nutrients. An Apple
Author: Karen Kummer
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
An adult group in Jefferson County participated in the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program. The class was held at an Adult Senior Living Facility. The lesson was taught by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant. The importance of Food Safety was the topic of the discussion. The assistant went on to explain that letting foods sit out for more than two hours is unsafe and could produce bacteria, which can cause foodborne illnesses. The Seniors expressed t
Author: Billie Porciello
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Boone County Nutrition Education Program partners with the Family Consumer Sciences Relationships class at Boone County High School to teach students how to eat smart. This partnership benefits the 55 students, who have learned many valuable life skills, including cooking, food safety and the relationship between food and health. The assistant produced a series of nutrition classes every Friday for six weeks following the Teen Cuisine youth curriculum in which students would practice c
Author: Billie Porciello
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
High blood pressure affects nearly 28% of the adult population in Kentucky. In Boone County 34% of residents have been told they have high blood pressure. Fortunately high blood pressure can be treated and controlled by making lifestyle changes. The Boone County Nutrition Education Program organized a series of classes at Arcadia Park Senior Apartments once a week for 10 weeks for 20 participants. Lessons were focused on maintaining a normal weight, exercising, and most i
Author: Billie Porciello
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
There are over 21,000 children in Kentucky receiving a Homeschool education. Parents of these children seek educational experiences in the community to meet their standard requirements. The Boone County Nutrition Education Program Assistant conducted a nutrition and physical activity program series presented to 17 Northern Kentucky mothers and 40 school age children. The classes were promoted through the Boone County Public Library and a local homeschool co-op, The Lively Learning La
Author: Billie Porciello
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky has the fifth-highest rate of obesity in the nation. In Boone County, 31% of adults are estimated to be obese, having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. The Boone County Nutrition Education Program arranged a series of monthly adult classes for four months at the public library in Florence for 18 participants. Lessons focused on understanding food labels, identifying added sugars and fats, and experimenting w
Author: Crystal Beitler
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Scott County Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught 10 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local foodresources effectively. 100% of NEP families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet. 39% of NEP graduate families consumed a diet of higher quality because theyplanned meals using My Plate, considered healthy choices, and used the "Nutrition Facts" label. 22% of fami
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Extension Professional: Holbert, Patricia DTitle: Food Pantry Adult GroupOutcome Type: Long TermShepherd’s Pie Food Pantry located in LaRue County provides food weekly to an average of 110 families each week with food insecurities. LaRue County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education (EFNEP) Program Assistant teaches bi weekly classes to enhance the participants nutrition knowledge, food safety and cooking skills.By demonstrating recipes using fresh produce supplied by Shepherd’s Pie p
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Extension Professional: Holbert, Patricia DTitle: Nationwide Uniform- Onsite Wellness PromotionOutcome: Long Term OutcomeLocal employer, Nationwide Uniform has partnered with the LaRue County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant to offer a series of monthly wellness classes for employees. Classes help employees identify areas of their diet that can be improved to maintain good health.The Healthy Choices Series curriculum is utilized to compare current diet choices in c
Author: Crystal Beitler
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Nutrition Education Program, in collaboration with 4H held a three day Cooking and Science day camp. Children in kindergarten through second grade participated in lessons on cooking, nutrition, and kitchen safety. Using curriculum from Super Star Chef and Recipe for Life, participants learned proper cutting techniques through preparing healthy meals with safety knives. The camp also focused on food safety and the importance of hand washing. Campers participated in a hands on demonstration us
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Extension Professional: Holbert, Patricia DTitle: Promoting Healthy Snacks to YouthOutcome Type: InitialCool School is a week long summer school program coordinated by the Family Resource Centers. In 2017 it had 125 children participating from grades 1 thru 5. Each grade attends a one hour session each day for five consecutive days. The LaRue County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant demonstrated how to prepare healthy snacks using a variety of fruits and vegetables
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Extension Professional: Holbert, Patricia DTitle: Youth Facility Garden ProjectOutcome Type: Long TermLife Connection is a residential facility located in LaRue County that is home to 40 boys, ages 10 -18, who are wards of the state. This year the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant along with the County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent assisted the boys with a garden project. They met twice a month with the youth during the growing season. 75% of the boys had
Author: Donna Ridener
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~The McCreary County Nutrition Education Program assistant meets monthly with the McCreary County Housing Authority residents. The group shared that they find it difficult to have enough food to get them through the month. Many complained that fruits and vegetables cost too much and they could not afford to feed them to their families. While having group discussion we discovered they were spending too much on convenience foods, and unhealthy items such as soda, candy, cookies, and f
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Butler County NEP paraprofessional taught 66 limited resourcefamilies how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. 100% of NEP families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet. 75.3% of NEP graduate families consumed a diet of higher quality because they planned meals using My Plate, considered healthy choices, and used the "Nutrition Facts" label. 61.4% of f
Author: Brandy Charles
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Boone County Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional teamed up with the Ag and Natural Resources Agent to provide a nutritional component to the agent’s annual summer youth nature camp. This partnership allowed the camp participants the opportunity to connect nature and nutrition.During each session, the 10 participants took part in a discussion and activity regarding some aspect of nutrition, followed by a tasting of a simple, healthy snack. After participating in this prog
Author: Brandy Charles
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Boone County Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional utilized the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service’s 12-station cooking lab to provide a hands-on educational experience for 30 homeschoolers to teach them about food safety, following recipes, and the importance of a healthy diet.Over the course of 6-weeks, children from Kindergarten to 8th grade completed a series in nutrition and cooking. Participants were given tasks based on age group and skill level. Young
Author: Patricia Nelson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education Assistant of Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the Family Consumer Science teacher and taught Healthy Choices for Everybody Curriculum in 1 hour intervals for a period of 8 visits, at a local high school for young mothers and their children or young pregnant mothers.The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education Assistant taught the core curriculum as well as the Feeding Every Little Body Unit to the
Author: Kristi Shive
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Buddy House enhances the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing support, information, education, activities, etc. Many of the adults with Down syndrome are still learning independent living skills. A series on “Healthy Choices for Every Body” was conducted by one of the SNAP Ed Assistants from the Warren County Cooperative Extension Service. The series focused on teaching the participants how to prepare easy, healthy and affordable reci
Author: Kristi Shive
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Eating $mart was a Nutrition Education Program held in Warren County, Kentucky. Many of the Adults who enrolled had poor food safety practices and often ran out of food before the end of the month. A serious on “Healthy Choices for Every Body” was conducted by one of the SNAP Ed Assistants from the Warren County Cooperative Extension Service. The SNAP Ed Assistant partnered with Community Action of Southern Kentucky to present a series focused on teaching participants how to create
Author: Kristi Shive
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~The Barren River Area Safe Space, Inc. (BRASS) is a regional domestic violence 26-bed shelter and program. BRASS serves Warren County Citizens by providing emergency shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence. After doing once a month program at the shelter, one of the SNAP Ed Assistants from the Warren County Cooperative Extension Service was contacted by the director. The SNAP Ed Assistant was asked to do a program for the staff who works at the shelter. Many of the staff s
Author: Kristi Shive
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~NECCO is a Foster Agency that empowers families by providing a variety of services. Many of the Foster Parents care for children who have come from homes of neglect. These individuals work hard to provide a healthy environment for the children that are placed in their homes. A series on “Healthy Choices for Every Body” was presented by one of the SNAP Ed Assistants from the Warren County Cooperative Extension Service. The series focused on teaching participants how to create health
Author: Detra Coley
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Kentucky high schools rank among the highest in the nation for childhood obesity. In an effort to improve that statistic, the Expanded Food and Nutrition assistant in Livingston County has focused attention on the 3rd through 8th grade level. The classes were held during the after school programs at North Elementary, South Elementary and Livingston County Middle School. The classes titled, Food for Thought met every other week. In the lower grades, the focus was on try
Author: Detra Coley
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~The Livingston County NEP paraprofessional taught 90 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively from October 2016-Septmber 2017. 93.2% of NEP families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet.44 families graduated from the NEP classes this year. 52.33% of NEP graduate families consumed a diet of higher quality because they planned meals using My Plate, considered healthy choic
Author: Tasha Tucker
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Nutrition Education Program partnered alongside an elementary school through its Corporative Extension Office to teach LEAP. Literacy, Eating, Activity, for Primary which targets children first through third graders in staying healthy, being physically active, increasing fruit, vegetable, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. The CDC states that Kentucky is rated 5th highest in obesity and 17% of that number represent children. The NEP assistant taught the children for a total of 6 hours through
Author: Tasha Tucker
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
“Whoever said that these were the golden years didn’t know what they were talking about”! Many Senior Citizens struggle with increased weight, lack of physical activity, and struggle with depression due to the loss of a spouse or feeling lack of purpose. However, this group of five senior women decided to dig deep and find the gold in their Golden Years. The participants had just completed Weight the Reality Series with the Family Consumer Science Agent through the Breckinridge
Author: Cindy Maggard
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) is a program offered by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. The goal of the NEP program is to help limited resource youth and adults improve the quality of their diets, resources and management through individual and group classes. Curriculum is researched based developed by nutrition specialist and on the needs of participants. Youth programs are based on school core content.The nutrition program assistant in Knott C
Author: Sarah Gilliam
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Statistics show that 40% of Elliott County's population is obese. A grant came through University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences and Public Health from Centers for Disease Control. Elliott County was one of 6 counties that were included in the grant to fight obesity. FCS Agent, EFNEP Assistant and SNAP-Ed Assistant partnered with local grocery store, Gilliam's IGA, to promoted eating more fruits and vegetables. SNAP-Ed Assistant presented 4 food demonstrations at the store usin
Author: Cindy Maggard
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Knott County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) paraprofessional taught 47 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. 91.1% of NEP families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet. Such as, 74.67% more often planned meals in advance, and 60% more often prepared foods without adding salt.68.75% of NEP graduate families consumed a diet of higher quality because they planned meals u
Author: Sarah Gilliam
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Statistics show over 800 people in Elliott County have been diagnosed as diabetic. SNAP-Ed Assistant partnered with KY HomePlace and Senior Citizens Center to address this issue. 19 out of 20 seniors that attend the Senior Citizens Center are diabetic. KY HomePlace implemented Walking with Ease program while SNAP-Ed Assistant taught nutrition using University of Kentucky’s approved curriculum Healthy Choices for Every Body. Each week for 8 weeks a new lesson was taught and a new recipe was
Author: Sarah Gilliam
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Management at the Adult Education Center saw a need for nutrition lessons and invited Snap-Ed Assistant to come teach nutrition programs to her clientele, according to pre evaluation questionnaire, 4 out of 5 SNAP recipients attending the Adult Education Center run out of food before the end of the month and do not have the money to purchase more. SNAP-Ed Assistant taught nutrition lessons at the Adult Education Center where spending money on a budget, meal planning and shopping with a grocery l
Author: Amy Stooksbury
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Cooking with DadThe Todd County Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional partnered with the Todd County Children, Youth Families at Risk agent to work with a group of Dads and children to work on Healthy Choices Cooking and Kitchen skills. The families learned how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. Dad’s learned to let children get involved with food choices, and kitchen duties to help promote better eating
Author: Amy Stooksbury
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Todd County Nutrition Education ProgramThe Todd County NEP paraprofessional taught 56 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, keep foods safe, and utilize local food resources effectively 98.2% of NEP families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet.58.6% of NEP graduated families consumed a diet of higher quality because they planned meals using My Plate, 62% of families learned to plan meals ahead of time. 67% of families more often used
Author: Sarah Gilliam
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to state records Women Infants and Children “WIC” Farmers Market voucher redemption has been exceptionally low in Elliott County. WIC Coordinator contacted Elliott County Famers Market to sell produce at the Health Department on the day WIC Farmers Market Vouchers were handed out. The Farmers Market then requested EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Assistant to set with them. SNAP-Ed Assistant handed out recipes on how to prepare fresh fruits and vegetables along with a food demonstration a
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 63.9% of the residents in Wolfe County, Kentucky are low income families and are the ones who continue to have difficulty finding healthy foods that are affordable. They are afraid to try new healthy recipes for the fear of wasting food, money and their time if they don’t like what they prepare. To address this in Wolfe County, the Nutrition Education Assistant began a program called the Recipe Collectors Clu
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to Data USA 43 percent of the population in Wolfe County, Kentucky live below the poverty line, which is higher than the national average of 14.7 percent. Many factors contribute to poverty. Among the factors that contribute to poverty is unemployment. According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics the unemployment rate is 9.5 percent. Many people live in poverty in Wolfe County because there is little to no availability for employment. Unemployment does
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky has the fifth highest rate of obesity in the nation. Approximately 17 percent (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese. To address this in Wolfe County, Kentucky the Nutrition Education Program Assistant at the Wolfe County Cooperative Extension Service began a six week program for adolescent’s ages 8-12 called Junior Chefs Academy using the Teen Cuisine curriculum. The program was design
Author: Gwen O'Cull
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Fleming County Extension (EFNEP) Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant and staff worked with Ward Elementary School once a month with a reading program for their students and parentsExpanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant, shared stories with the children and their parents, then help the children follow a recipe to do a cooking activity. Some of the recipe taught the children how to make vegetable pizza, milkshakes, deviled eggs, strawberry jam. The books an
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~According to Kentucky Health Facts the lack of physical activity for all residents of Wolfe County, Kentucky is 40%. To address this problem the Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the 4-H agent and the Children, Youth and Families at Risk assistant to come up with a way to provide physical activity at no cost, a healthier lifestyle and brining families closer together. In June 2017 “Rocking In Wolfe County” became all the rage during the summer months and into the
Author: Marian Stacy
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Unfortunately, getting children to eat vegetables has always been a difficult task. However, the directors of the Grow & Learn Day Care Center thought if children could learn to grow their own food, they might be more willing to eat it. They talked to the Snap-Ed Nutrition Assistant from the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service about this idea during one of her monthly visits. The assistant was about to begin a nutrition class called “Where does our food come from”
Author: Marian Stacy
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Busy families don’t always put much effort into learning good cooking skills. The Snap-Ed Nutrition Assistant was asked by the Berea Summer Feeding Program coordinator to join their parent program at one of the feeding sights that neighbors the targeted housing project. This sight served an estimated 50 families per day during the summer months. Most of which were involved in a community garden provided by the church and a local community partner. Feeding children and educating parents was
Author: Marian Stacy
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
It’s hard to transition from high school to college, especially when you are on your own for the first time. The Upward Bound program invites high school students to live in a college setting during summer months. And an opportunity to learn skills that will prepare them for not only life on campus but how to be a successful college student. The Madison County Cooperative Extension Service was asked to host a cooking school for these students where they could learn basic cooking techniques
Author: Marian Stacy
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Parents teaching children to cook family meals is steadily becoming a thing of the past. Several middle schools in Madison county offer after school cooking clubs to combat this growing issue. These clubs are offered to seventh and eighth graders in an eight week course featuring safe food handling, basic cooking, proper knife skills, meal planning and nutrition lessons taught by the Snap-Ed assistant from the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service. Ending with a dinner party prepared by t
Author: Dorisa Johnson-Hickman
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
While teaching Meal Planning and Food Safety at a neighborhood community center adult group, one participant was concerned that,” it’s not easy preparing healthy meals for your family when you don’t have the time.” With that in mind the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant taught how meal planning not only saves time and money at the grocery store, it also provides variety to family meals. The NEP Assistant also taught how meal p
Author: Dorisa Johnson-Hickman
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
With diabetes and hypertension poorly affecting American adult’s health, The Kenton County Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education Program Assistant worked with senior adults at Colony Senior Apartments to focus their attention on healthy eating by limiting salt and sugar intake. The group also learned how to interpret nutrition facts label to identify sodium, sugars, cholesterol, fats, and carbohydrates, so they could limit these unhealthy ingredients. In Kenton County the percent
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
College students graduating and moving out on their own face a myriad of new opportunities and challenges. The Campbell County nutrition assistant recently had the opportunity to work with a group of six students who were trying to learn how to eat well and stick to a budget without the safety net of the school cafeteria or food from mom’s kitchen. These students excelled in school but like many young people living on their own for the first time, they were getting low scores in cooking an
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In 2016 the Campbell County nutrition assistant collaborated with a group called LiveWell NKY. The group’s five-year goals focused in the areas of Jobs, Health, Education and Vibrancy. With Kentucky currently ranked 44th out of 50 states in overall health, it is critical to promote healthy behaviors.This city of Newport collaboration generated several benefits including opportunities to promote healthy eating at multiple community events. A partnership was forged with My GED Adult Learning
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Trying to fit healthy eating into an already busy schedule can be challenging. But students studying in the medical assisting and the business and computer technologies field at the Center for Employment Training found a way to do both! The nutrition assistant from the Campbell County Extension fed the student’s bodies a nutritious lunch and their minds with the Healthy Choices for Every Body nutrition series.They learned a good healthy meal doesn’t have to take a lot of time and the
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Campbell County nutrition assistant worked with Mentoring Plus, a 12 month program for disadvantaged youth. These teens are referred through the local juvenile justice office, school, community organization or agency and matched with a mentor. One of the needs identified was the opportunity to make healthy food choices and to cook for themselves.The program normally included dinner brought in for the teens but during the Healthy Choices seven lesson series, they were taught to plan and prepa
Author: Courtney Rogers
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Wesley Center Day School provides childcare to youth in Franklin County. When the center supervisor noticed that employees modeled fast food eating habits to the children, she called on the Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed program. “I want the employees to be well, so I want to offer this class during the workday so everyone has the chance to participate.” Each participant’s need was different: one recently moved out of her childhood home and entered adulthood. She fel
Author: Karen Grant
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Thirty six ladies living in Liberty place drug and alcohol rehab facility, are transitioning into the next phase of a six to nine month program. The Madison County Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program assistant taught the Healthy Choices Curriculum.. With a strong emphasis on hereditary tendencies of diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure participants used the My Plate lesson to personalize a healthy eating program for themselves and their families. Clients also learn
Author: Karen Grant
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Berea Public Library invited the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service EFNEP assistant to teach nutrition lessons and provide activities as part of their afterschool programming. Participants learned the importance of healthier choices by making their own snacks, they learned about whole grains by making whole wheat bread and lean proteins by preparing omelets. With the aroma of delicious omelets being prepared an aging bachelor with limited cooking skills followed his nose and
Author: Karen Grant
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
As we have become a society of working parents’ quick finger foods are becoming the norm for supper. As our children eat more burgers, French fries, chicken nuggets and pizzas the correct holding and use of cutlery is being lost. Area elementary school resource center directors contacted the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service EFNEP Assistant. Nutrition Lessons teaching food groups and trying new unfamiliar choices along with manners and etiquette were taught. Students practiced p
Author: Karen Grant
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving five hundred needy families are invited to Day of Hope. These families are given a complete holiday meal box. The Madison County Cooperative Extension Service EFNEP assistant participates by giving information on safe thawing and cooking of frozen turkeys along with recipes for using leftovers. Families also learn by viewing examples of A1C levels, cholesterol in the veins and amount of sugar in sodas. As a result families clean up their diets as to
Author: Brenda Williamson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In Pulaski County the Nutrition Education Program Assistant meets monthly with some of the mothers in the AIM (Abortion Intervention Ministries) Program. Through the meetings the AIM Group shared that they find it challenging to prepare a meal for their families. They often run out and pick up fast food meals that are quick, easy and affordable for them. When doing this, it cuts into their food budget and often fails to meet the healthier nutritional needs of their families. Statistics show that
Author: Patsy Smith
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
During the summer months of June, July, August and September 2017 the SNAP­ Ed Assistant from the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Service promoted Kentucky Proud produce and recipes by offering weekly food sampling using the Kentucky Proud recipes at the various Jackson County Farmer's Markets countywide locations. Providing the food samples, used their WIC, SNAP and Senior Vouchers. These benefits are provided to participants in collaboration with the Department of Children and Fam
Author: Brenda Williamson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Teachers from the 1st and 2nd grades at Nancy Elementary School in Pulaski County had noticed that their students were not properly washing their hands before eating. They were concerned that the children could get sick and spread germs as well. They called the Pulaski County Extension Office and ask for someone to come out to the school and teach "How to Wash Your Hands".The SNAP-Ed Assistant went to the school and taught the children why and when it was important to wash their hands.
Author: Stacy Smith
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Over 21,000 families choose to homeschool their children in the state of Kentucky. In Clinton County, the number of families making the decision to homeschool is growing rapidly. Today, approximately 38 Clinton County families choose homeschooling. As homeschool parents look for more and more ways to enhance their children’s educational experiences, the Nutrition Education Program is there to help. The Clinton County Extension Nutrition Education Program in partnership wit
Author: Cheryl Owens
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
What started out in the school year with a group of youth from one of the local afterschool programs in the Whitley County Area, soon became a true “Family Affair.” Who would have guessed that a hand held can opener, would spark an adult’s interest into committing to attending the socialization part of the youth program, and recruit adults for the upcoming year? The afterschool youth group consisted of a total of 12 students attending on a regular basis, and during t
Author: Juanita Herron
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Germs GermsMarion County Cooperative Extension office Expanded Food and Nutrition Program recently partnered with one of the local elementary schools. The elementary school had some concerns about how quick the children were getting sick (being only a few weeks into school) and how easily viruses such as the stomach bug, strep throat and other various illnesses are spread. The school was wanting a program that focused on proper handwashing techniques because they wanted their students to be more
Author: Cheryl Owens
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
With the initial collaboration efforts of Sherry Paul (Whitley County North Elementary Family ResourceCenter), Tammy Stephens (Williamsburg Family Resource Youth Service Center), and myself Cheryl Owens, Whitley County Extension Office (Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant), Cradle School came into existence to help narrow the Kindergarten Readiness gap along with addressing better food choices and instilling the need to give our lives a “more close” look. Accord
Author: Margie Hernandez
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Russell CountyMargie Hernandez, SNAP-Ed AssistantHealthy Mother Happy BabyIn Russell County, 52% of newborns were being breastfed at the time of hospital discharge in 2011. (Building Strong Families for Kentucky 2017). Based on this, it was concluded that there was a need to raise the awareness of the benefits to breastfeeding. The Russell County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed program assistant collaborated with the ARC Pregnancy Support Center to offer a seven session curriculum, H
Author: Margie Hernandez
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Russell CountyMargie Hernandez, SNAP-Ed AssistantGrowing Your Own FoodMost migrant workers living with their families in Russell Springs do not have the space or resources to grow a garden. The community garden was started several years ago by the Russell County Cooperative Extension Service to assist those families in growing, harvesting, and preserving vegetables. A Healthy Choices for Every Body program was conducted by the Russell County Cooperative Extension Service in collaboration w
Author: Relissa Torian
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
25% of one Nutrition education class indicated pre-existing medical conditions. This caused concern on the part of the NEP paraprofessional. Lessons from the curriculum, “Healthy Choices for Every Body”, identified nutrition requirements and limitations, answering many questions for these clients while reinforcing or discouraging their present practices. Valuing the partnership that had been created with the local Health Department, the NEP Assistant gave these adults a schedul
Author: Relissa Torian
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
As a result of participating in the Nutrition Education Program classes, three female participants felt comfortable enough to offer to assist the NEP paraprofessional as leaders in serving breakfast to the staff and parents of the Cadiz Child Development Center. The purpose of the breakfast was reaching out for more participants for the Nutrition classes through publicity and incentives. The breakfast was held at the housing authority community where the Head Start is located. The director
Author: Margie Hernandez
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Russell CountyMargie Hernandez, SNAP-Ed AssistantHealthy KidsIn Russell County, 17.5% of children between the ages of 2-4 were identified as obese through the WIC Program (2010). (Building Strong Families for Kentucky 2017). With obesity on the rise, educators in Russell County sought out ways to help make the children in their classrooms healthier and more physically active. The Russell County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed program assistant collaborated with the Russell County Elementar
Author: Nancy Owens
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In Allen County the obesity rates are impacted by poor eating habits regarding eating green vegetables and meeting recommended myplate guidelines. Families had limited fresh locally grown produce. Working with my county extension agent, a partnership was formed with the Allen County Health Dept. and Need More Acres Farm to provide a salad market basket to 90 families. Grant funded of 1500.00 provided each family with seven locally grown varieties of dark salad greens, fresh asparagus, cherry tom
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Carlisle County NEP paraprofessional taught forty-one limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. 100% of NEP families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet. 60% of NEP graduated families consumed a diet of higher quality because they planned meals using My Plate, considered healthy choices, and used the "Nutrition Facts" label. Families also increased the freque
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In January 2017, a program was implemented at the Lincoln County Extension Office to encourage healthy eating and physical activity for the New Year. Utilizing the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum allowed the participants to not only learn numerous tips on how to live healthier lives, but also introduced them to great recipes which they loved and continued to use and share with their families. The program was very successful and yielded several positive outcomes for the part
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Starting in the fall of 2016, a program was started at Waynesburg Manor, a nursing home/rehabilitation center for Lincoln County residents. Ages at the facility ranged from early 30s to late 70s. Many of the residents were only there for a few months after injuries or illnesses, and were being rehabilitated to continue living on their own. The program utilized the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum, and met every other week in the dining hall of the facility. Emph
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
This summer, at Pleasant Point Baptist Church, a class was started with the ladies group, and the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum was used. 10 ladies graduated the program, at least 7 of which were widows. The class provided them not only with social interaction and a healthy environment to spend time with friends, but also gave them recipes, tips and information to live healthier lives. Attendance was always high throughout the weeks of class. 8 out of 10 of th
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
This success story focuses on the accomplishments of two separate groups that were reached this program year. The first was a group at Quest Adult Day Care, and the second was a group which met at the Public Library, which was in partnership with Fort Logan Cooperative Ministries (This is a food bank and commodity distributer in downtown Stanford). Both groups were very successful and yielded positive results in many different areas. These were also two organizations which had
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
This summer, at Pleasant Point Baptist Church, a class was started with the ladies group, and the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum was used. 10 ladies graduated the program, at least 7 of which were widows. The class provided them not only with social interaction and a healthy environment to spend time with friends, but also gave them recipes, tips and information to live healthier lives. Attendance was always high throughout the weeks of class. 8 out of 10 of th
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Children who help to prepare their own meals eat significantly more vegetables than those who are not involved in cooking according to an article in Appetite Journal. Cooking programs have been used to promote healthful eating among people of all ages.Children in Hickman County are taking part in more after-school activities and many parents go straight from work to sports practice, music practice and more. Consequences of this change in family behavior are believed to contribute to increased ra
Author: Viola Wood
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Food Safety for SeniorsAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne infection and illness in the United States each year. Many of these people are older adults who have other conditions and weakened immune systems, so they are more susceptible to contracting foodborne illness.It is especially important for older adults to use safe food preparation and handling practices because they have a hi
Author: Nancy Owens
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In Allen County the youth do not get the recommended physical activity. According to the State of Kentucky Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity profile 28.8% youth watch 3 hours of television on an average school day. In order to increase physical activity. A partnership with the Allen County Girl Scouts and the Allen County Cooperative Extension Service, Over a two week period six classes were conducted to demonstrate with eighteen youth at the Allen County Cooperative Extension Facility. C
Author: Viola Wood
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Muhlenberg by the NumbersMuhlenberg County, KY is a county in the Western Kentucky Coalfield. The population of the county is 31,139. The adult poverty rate is 25.1%, and the child poverty rate is 35%. The medium household income is $37,000. The Muhlenberg County Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education by helping individuals, families, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future.The Muhlenberg County SNAP-Ed paraprofessiona
Author: Clarissa Cheatwood
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
This story is about a group of tenants in Jefferson County that live in a low income area with no access to a grocery storewith fresh fruits and vegetables,unless they travel miles outside their neighborhood. These people live in an apartmentcomplex that is run by New Direction Housing. The Expanded Food Nutrition Assistant from Jefferson County CooperativeExtension Service conducts Nutrition Classes at this center once a month. Teaching Healthy Cooking and Eating,FoodSafety, Planning Meal
Author: Myrna Vazquez
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Literacy, Eating and Activity for PrimaryThe Nutrition Education Program at the Calloway County Extension Service provided the Literacy, Eating and Activity for Primary, “LEAP” program. The program reached 212 students of the local elementary school district in grades from kindergarten thru third grade. The focus of the program is to encourage healthy eating and physical activity through a series of books that are read by the Nutrition Assistant. During a minimum of six visits per
Author: Myrna Vazquez
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Parenting Nutrition ClassThe Calloway County Cooperative Extension Service, Nutrition Education Program in collaboration with the Calloway Parenting Workgroup, offers four series of parenting classes each year. This parenting series are composed of six lessons each. The majority of the participants are low income families with school age children. On the 2010 Census, Calloway County population was of 37,191, of those 21.1 % persons live in poverty. The Nutrition lessons reached 37 residents du
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to research, 90% of the brain is developed by age 5. In order to provide families and caregivers practical ideas to turn everyday activities into learning moments The United Way of Greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky developed the Born Learning Academy in 2009--a series of family workshops to help parents prepare their children for school, starting when they are born. The Academies meet in elementary schools. The Family Resource Youth Service Center Coordinator (FRYSC)
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
One of Kentucky’s Academic Standards for Intermediate Health Education is to provide nutrition education to all students. White’s Tower Elementary School contacted the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service’s Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant to deliver programming to fourth students.Four fourth grade teachers collaborated with the NEP Assistant to offer nutrition programming in the classroom. The NEP Assistant met with 89 fourth grade students one hour a week fo
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Ryland Heights Elementary School (RHES) had more than twenty families who were raising relatives who were not their own children. Most of these were grandparents raising their grandchildren. To offer support to these families, the Family Resource Youth Service Center (FRYSC) Coordinator of RHES contacted the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service’s Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant. The NEP Assistant taught six “Super Families” the Healthy Choic
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Aspen Community Living provides high quality support for community living services to individuals with developmental and physical disabilities in their own homes. In an effort to provide clients with healthier meals, the Branch Manager of Aspen Community Living contacted the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service’s Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant. She wanted her staff from Africa to be taught how to cook healthier meals because African culture and cooking
Author: Judy McGuire
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Food safety was a big concern after observing the kitchen at a local rehabilitation center, “Hope in the Mountains” Meat was being thawed on the counter that was to be served for dinner. Plans for an extra Food Safety lesson were made. A group of eight women attended this class. A survey was given at the beginning of the lesson 57% of the class did not allow food to sit out longer the two hours. 14% did not thaw food at room temperature. The “Keeping Food Safe for
Author: Sherry Becknell
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Owsley County Extension Service partnered with Owsley County Action Place to provide nutrition lesson to commodity recipients. The senior citizens and grandparents raising grandchildren meet one Thursday of each month to receive food boxes and nutritional information. The Owsley County EFNEP and SNAP Assistants provide group lessons on subjects such as: planning meals, budgeting, food safety, portion sizes and several other related topics. This is a time for senior people to come toget
Author: Sherry Becknell
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Owsley County Extension Service partnered with New Hope Baptist Church to provide ideas on how families can interact together. The EFNEP Assistant taught lessons on meal planning, cooking is healthier, knowing the limits, eating better on a budget and several other topics were covered. This class was arranged for parent and child interacting. A total of eight families participated in the program. After three months of weekly meetings the families were given a survey for feedback of the progr
Author: Sherry Becknell
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Owsley County Extension Service partnered with New Hope Baptist Church to provide budgeting lessons for adults around the community. The EFNEP Assistant taught lessons on planning meals in advance, comparing prices when shopping, shopping with a grocery list, healthy food choices, proper food storing and food safety. Participants of all ages, male and female attended the program. Both group and individual needs were met by the assistant. A total of eight lessons were taught over a period of eigh
Author: Tracey Turner
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Owsley County Extension Service partnered with Owsley County Action Place to provide nutrition lesson to commodity recipients. The senior citizens and grandparents raising grandchildren meet one Thursday of each month to receive food boxes and nutritional information. The Owsley County SNAP Assistant provide group lessons on subjects such as: planning meals, budgeting, food safety, and portion sizes and several other related topics. This is a time for senior people to come together for fello
Author: Tracey Turner
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Centers for Disease control less than 3 out of 10 high school students get 60 minutes of exercise per day. In conjunction with the Owsley County school system and the Owsley County Extension Service, a 10 lesson program titled “Wellness in Kentucky” provided middle school students an insight on proper physical activity along with nutrition education as well. Lessons were taught in hopes of improving overall physical activity. These lessons include
Author: Tracey Turner
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Center for Disease Control, empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories for children and adolescents age 2–18 years—affecting the overall quality of their diets. The majority of these calories came from sodas, fruit drinks and whole milk. This contributes to children not consuming enough water throughout the day. In conjunction with the Owsley County School system and the Owsley County Extension Service lessons were
Author: Elizabeth Lamb
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the CDC in Kentucky “35.1% of adults were overweight. 31.6% of adults had obesity.” The Graves County Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional taught 65 number of limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively.Overall 91% of Nutrition Education Program families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet. 59% of Nutrition Education Program graduate families consumed a
Author: Elizabeth Lamb
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to a CDC profile on Kentucky “46.2% of adults report consuming fruit less than one time daily. 24.9% of adults reported consuming vegetables less than one time daily.” The Graves County Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional in partnership with the Eloise Fuller Apartments presented a series of “Healthy Choices for Every Body” nutritional classes. The classes were held bi-weekly at the Eloise Fuller Apartments from June throug
Author: Elizabeth Lamb
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to Countyhealthrating.org Graves County's adult obesity rate is 30% and physical in-activity is 27%. To help promoted overall family "Healthy Choices" the Graves County Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional in partnership with the Mayfield-Graves County Community Education Program, the Mayfield & Graves County Family Resources Centers, and the Mayfield and Graves County Migrant Program offered and presented a series of nutritional
Author: Elizabeth Lamb
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the USDA Economic Research Service “In 2015, 2.9 million household with as senior aged 65+ experienced food insecurity.” to help address this issue, the Graves County Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional in partnership with the Mayfield-Graves County Senior Center presented monthly “Healthy Choices for Every Body” nutritional classes at the senior center from October, 2016 – September, 2017. At the end of the year,
Author: Christine Duncan
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Oldham County is rated as one of the wealthiest counties in Kentucky. Unfortunately, not everyone in Oldham County is wealthy. Each month, more than 70 residents of LaGrange, county seat of Oldham County, receive food from the Dare to Care mobile food bank. These recipients struggle to make ends meet with limited or fixed incomes. Before the food is distributed the Family and Consumer Science Agent presents a Cooking and Nutrition class. Budgeting for food purchas
Author: Rohdene Rollins
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Henderson CountyRohdene Rollins, SNAP-Ed Assistant (Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program) taught 70 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. 91 % of SNAP-Ed families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet. 66.70 % of SNAP-Ed graduate families consumed a diet of higher quality because they planned meals using My Plate, considered healthy choices, and used the
Author: Lisa Lamb
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Through out the year the local Senior Citizen center and the local Extension office work together to provide nutrition education to the seniors at the center. Sally is a regular at the center as well as any and all classes we conduct there. Sally sees me as a young person and sometimes she will get quite lively in discussions during the lesson or she will ask me questions to try and throw me off my game. I consider it a great relationship and she helps keep the classes moving and keeps the conve
Author: Lisa Lamb
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
During the course of the school year the 4 H cooking club prepares, learns and executes lessons in the kitchen. The 4 H participants learn to read recipes, follow directions, use basic kitchen knowledge to prepare recipes for tasting. Each year the children are encouraged to put an entry into our local fair. This year we had several that put entries in the fair and a few that won. One in particular won not only on the local level but a 3rd place ribbon in the State of KY fair. Learning to be suc
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Hickman County NEP paraprofessional taught twenty-five limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. 100 % of NEP families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet. 59% of NEP graduate families consumed a diet of higher quality because they planned meals using My Plate, considered healthy choices, and used the "Nutrition Facts" label. Families incr
Author: Peggy Jones
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Summer Fun in the Kitchen with Super Star ChefSUCCESS STORY: Once school is out for the summer most students like to learn a new skill, maybe try some cooking skills and make new friends. What a perfect reason to attend Super Star Chef Camp at Rowan County High School. Rowan County students are survey as being 100% free lunch in our school system. Therefore makes them the perfect candidate to attend our Camp. The FCS Agent offered Super Star Chef Camp for the first time in our coun
Author: Kayla Watts
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Centers for Disease Control approximately 17 percent of children in Kentucky are obese. The importance of good nutrition education at an early age cannot be stressed enough as citizens work to change food cultures and knowledge that will affect future generations. Breathitt County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, Kayla Watts, in partnership with the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program, hosted a 3-day workshop for youth e
Author: Mimi Quiroz
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
September 30, 2017Owenton, KYSuccess StoryAccording to the United States Census Bureau, Owen County has a population of 10,730 from which the 2.6% are Hispanic. It is a very small group that settled down in the area approximately 16 years ago and has not been growing very much and hardly participate on local events or in areas within or with the community. The diet of the Hispanics living in US is influenced by the traditional diet of their countries of origin, and have adapted to what they can
Author: Mimi Quiroz
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
September 2017 Carroll County SUCCESS STORYThe Principal of the Carroll County Summer School Pr
Author: Mimi Quiroz
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
September 30, 2017 Gallatin County, KYSuccess StoryThe Gallatin County Extension Office and its SNAP-ED Program has had multiple successes in getting the Hispanic population involved in improving the health
Author: Shannon Smith
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~With families busier and always on the go with little time to cook and prepare meals at home, the Bracken County 4-H and FCS felt the need to continue to offer the Super Star Chef Day Camp for the 3rd year in a row to local youth. We feel the need to learn basic cooking skills is more important than ever. The youth will have the skills and knowledge needed to help prepare healthy and nutritious meals. We feel that these youth need food and equipment safety, knife safety, safe food
Author: David Embrey
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In Edmonson County, the local Farmer's Market participates in both the WIC and Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Programs. These programs help to provide assistance to many community members in accessing more fresh produce during the growing season. According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Data Book (2015) over 21% of Edmonson County Families live below the poverty level. While many people are able to receive benefits to help combat this problem, there are those that fall s
Author: Allison Lewis
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Kentucky ranks 7th out of all 50 states for obesity. Kentucky's adult obesity rate is currently 34.2 percent, up from 21.7 percent in 2000 and from 12.7 percent in 1990. Senior citizens are one of the largest populations in this group. Since nutrition is an important part of a healthy and active lifestyle, educating seniors on the basics and promoting healthy food choices will allow them to make better choices. To address this issue the FCS Agent prepared and taught a lesson each month at th
Author: Amanda Dame
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the American Heart Association, teaching youth how to prepare their own food will give them a skill they can use for a lifetime, they will be more likely to eat healthier as adults, and build self-confidence. The McLean County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent along with local Family Resource and Youth Service Center hosted the Super Star Chef Day Camp at the McLean County Extension Office. This 3-day camp was provided by the UK Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education P
Author: Chelsey Anderson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In Cumberland County, 100% of the school system qualifies for free meals. This along with children thinking that their food comes from the grocery store (when asked last year during a program) is the reason why there was a need to go into the schools to teach about agriculture and nutrition. The family and consumer science agent, SNAP-ED assistant, and agriculture and natural resources agent planned out several lessons for the elementary school. These lessons are formed around agriculture and nu
Author: Gina Noe
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
It is hard to transition from high school to college, especially when you are on your own for the first time. The Eastern Kentucky University Upward Bound program invites students whopotentially will be the first in their families to attend college, to spend the summer on campus preparing for their college experience.For the fifth year, the Madison County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Science staff was asked to teach basic cooking skills to these students. The Family and C
Author: Brad Stone
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Children often present themselves as highly selective eaters, but after having participated in the Professor Popcorn curriculum, several first and third grade students in Lewis County have developed a taste for foods they once refused to eat - even requesting them for dinner! One parent stated their child requested pasta salad for dinner one evening after having sampled some in their classroom. Another parent, who also happens to be a teacher, said "My daughter would never eat t
Author: Debra Baker
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Debra BakerKentucky State University SNAP-EdFY18 First Quarter Impact StatementMontgomery County Many children do not understand basic nutrition and why it is important. I am currently partnering with Montgomery County Elementary schools to teach nutrition education in their three schools. Our classes are set up as a partnership with the physical education teachers and family resource officers to encourage healthy eating habits and exercise. I rece
Author: Brenda Williams
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Brenda WilliamsKentucky State University SNAP-EdFY18 First Quarter Impact StatementMontgomery County There is a life skills crisis in today’s younger adults. The conveniences of today’s world has given us a generation that didn’t learn basic life skills such as cooking and budgeting. I am currently partnering with Wayne Ross, director of Shephard’s Shelter, to offer the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum to the facilit
Author: Kathleen "Happy" Raffaele
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Reaching our target families in many counties may be a difficult task. I recently attended an Inner Agency Meeting in our county where I met a very important partner, Rhonda Wheeler. Rhonda heard my program overview and asked me to join the Anderson County Early Childhood Council (ACECC). This council serves the county by assisting parents in school readiness. This partnership has put me in touch with other agencies serving our at risk families and given me a broader opportunity to serve. This p
Author: Lora Gullett
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Rowan County Nutrition Education Program 2016 annual report cited an estimated 4,953 Rowan County residents lived in poverty, and 1,304 of them were children in 2014 with the numbers increasing each year. Studies have shown that adolescents living with food insecurities are more likely to develop poor eating habits, and become overweight. Kentucky State University Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program Education (SNAP/Ed) Area Agent partnered with Rowan County Middle School to prov
Author: Jhamicah Harbut
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
I taught an adult EFNEP series from March-May 2017 at the One Parent Scholar House. I did a healthy cooking series and a nutritional lesson on the five food groups, sugar intake, and fat intake. During this series, I had a client named Jasmen who had an interest in learning how to cook and prepare healthy recipes. Jasmen took an interest in cooking. At the end of the EFNEP series, she commented that she made one of the recipes I gave her at home. She is cooking more and wants to make healthier i
Author: Vernell Sheets
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Morgan County Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education Program assistance did a program on Healthy choices foreverybody while on a budget for Adult Literacy Program. One participant shared she did not have resources to eat healthy or purchase food for the family. As a result of completing the Nutrition Education Program, the participant stated, "I was able to manage my food dollars better, and make healthier lifestyle choices". Healthy habits can add years to one's life
Author: Lynn Blankenship
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Metcalfe County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Education and SNAP-ED program assistant partnered with the new, Old School Cafe commercial kitchen, Community Education and the Metcalfe County School Board, to conduct two, hands - on food preservation workshops. Participants made traditional salsa following the recipe from the University of Kentucky publication Home Canning Salsa. All ingredients for the recipe were sourced locally from producers participating in the
Author: Andrea Munoz
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky has the fifth-highest rate of obesity in the nation. About one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Approximately 12.5 million of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese. In an effort to combat the growing rate of obesity among youth locally, Corbin Middle School, Health Corp. and I are partnering to offer an afterschool program featuring the Teen Cuisine Curriculum. This program focuses on the connecti
Author: Barbara Campbell
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In Fleming County the SNAP-Ed assistant and the Family and Consumer Sciences agent held a ten month class called, “Being Well by Design.” The class focused on “Building a Healthy Lifestyle for Yourself and Enhancing Your Happiness.”The meetings where held the same day of the week each month at one of the local churches in the county. The attendance ranged from 4 to 8 people monthly. After the FCS agent did the lesson she had planned the SNAP assistant went over a lesson t
Author: Cindy Maggard
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Each year the Knott County Extension Office offers nutrition education to elementary students in the county. Organwise Guys is a curriculum that is taught as part of the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) curriculum. Health class is not taught at this level so introducing Organ Annie gave students some insight on the organs inside our body. The NEP assistant partnered with the Knott County school system and took the Organ Annie doll into several classrooms in the county over a span of
Author: Brenda Williamson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The SNAP-Ed Assistant from the Pulaski County Extension Service went to a Section 8 Housing Unit called Somerset Village Apartments in Somerset Ky. She met with management and offered to hold some nutrition classes in their community room. Meeting dates were scheduled and management sent the information out to their residents. Some of their elderly residents went to the classes and enrolled into the nutrition group. Upon completing the enrollment questionnaire forms the assistant found that 100%
Author: Leslie Workman
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Kentucky’s adult obesity rate ranks 10th in the nation. Kentucky also has a poor consumption rate of fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that people who cook and eat at home are in better control of their dietary intake and thereby are healthier. The Pike County Family & Consumer Sciences Council & leadership wanted to take the promotion of purchasing fruits and vegetables at the Farmer’s Market through the practical steps of family meal preparation. To this
Author: Kimberly Whitson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to statistics from the USDA, Kentucky ranks as the 14th highest state in the nation for the number of food insecure children under the age of 18. This would indicate that approximately 200,000 Kentucky children, at some point and time, do not have access to enough food for an active, healthy life or that the food in their homes is not nutritionally adequate for growing bodies. To address the need for Laurel County children to have food on the weekends, when school meals were not availa
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Grant County averaged 2408 families receiving SNAP Benefits of $304 per month. The Grant County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), partnering with Grant County Extension 4-H and Consumer Science (FCS) Food Preservation, and Grant County Extension Master Food Volunteers, collaborated to empower youth to acquire food safety and preservation skills. Elementary and middle school students, attending schools with 100% free lunches, had participated in Super Star Chef classe
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Grant County averaged 2408 families receiving SNAP Benefits of $304 per month. The Grant County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), partnering with Grant County Extension Consumer Science (FCS) Food Preservation, Grant County Community Action Agency (CAC) Plant Giveaway, Grant County Public Library (GCPL) Seed Library, and Grant County Extension Master Food Volunteers, collaborated to empower families to stretch their food dollars with healthy food options. The limited
Author: Heather Graham
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to census.gov, Wolfe County’s population in 2016 was 7,159. 18.6% of that population is over 65 and 32.2% of the total population is in poverty. By these numbers, approximately 429 seniors over the age of 65 are living in poverty. Wolfe County is considered a food desert by the USDA standards of: “Low-income census tract where more than 100 housing units do not have a vehicle and are more than ½ mile from the nearest supermarket, or a significant number or
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to census.gov, Wolfe County’s population in 2016 was 7,159. 18.6% of that population is over 65 and 32.2% of the total population is in poverty. By these numbers, approximately 429 seniors over the age of 65 are living in poverty.Wolfe County is considered a food desert by the USDA standards of:“Low-income census tract where more than 100 housing units do not have a vehicle and are more than ½ mile from the nearest supermarket, or a significant number or share of res
Author: Amanda Hardy
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Healthy Cooking participants do hands on cooking, get to meet and talk to others about cooking, learn about new recipes and taste the recipes along with a lesson on the topic. Utilizing new my plate recipes and revisiting recipes from the past opens up discussion about farmer’s market and what is in season. When it comes to winter time we talk about easy slow cooker meals along with hearty recipes that are not only healthy but taste good. Other classes that were taught were on fall recipes
Author: Ruth Chowning
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Bullitt County Extension Service partneredwith the Bullitt County School Board to continue the 21st Century 150,00 Grant for Brooks Elementary School. Four educational classes were offered afterschool to emphasize the need for good nutrition and physical activity. A 10 week program, “Be A Super Healthy Hero”, was implemented focusing on healthy eating and activity behaviors. Of the 25 minority participants, six children reported completing the highest level of physica
Author: Karli Giles
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Jessamine County Cooperative Extension Services has a strong partnership with the Nicholasville Farmer’s Market. This past year was the first year as a market for the Nicholasville Farmer’s Market. The overwhelming support and excitement for the farmer’s market allowed for the vendors’ income to far exceed expectations for a beginning market. As a wrap-up of the season, the Nicholasville Farmer’s Market wanted a celebratory program to display vendors and what th
Author: Rebecca Parrent
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Caregivers for young children sometimes find it hard to get toddlers to eat a healthy snack.Providing them with foods from My Plate and healthy recipes helps the care givers to do this.The Crittenden County Extension Service through the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant, in cooperation with The Audubon Area Early Childhood Development, participated in a “Feeding your toddler healthy snacks” Program. The Assistant demonstrated to the caregivers how to make a Yo
Author: Morgan King
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The most recent CDC Data report states, the obesity rate for Greenup County is 35%. Greenup County is in the top 10 counties for other health diseases, such as heart disease and 16% of Greenup County adults suffer from diabetes. Research has shown there is a natural link between nutrition, physical activity, and behaviors toward healthy lifestyles. The Greenup co. Extension Family and Consumers Sciences Agent along with the Snap- Ed assistant collaborated to hold a ten week series that was provi
Author: Toina Williams
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Alm Care FacilitySuccess StoryFebruary 27, 2018Outcome: Long Term SNAP-Ed Assistant: Toina "Toni" WilliamsHardin County has a total of five day center for people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilitieshave a tendency to have bad eating habits, because sometimes they have to fendfor themselves and they lean towards things that is easy to make but nothealthy for them.Working with adults thathave disabilities is rewarding to me. The participants are so receptive of&nbs
Author: Toina Williams
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Steward ManorSuccess StoryJanuary 2018Outcome: Long termSNAP-Ed Assistant: Toina “Toni” Williams/Hardin CountyWhen working with senior adults, they don’t want you messing with their ability to make food choices. They feel that this is the one area that they still have control over since moving into an assistant living facility, when they were use-to doing things on their own. When someone comes in talking making better food choices, you will have some resistant from them, they
Author: Marcia Moss
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Bullitt County Extension Service and Centerstone formally Seven Counties partnered to bring healthy eating to the Family Living Group. This group consists of adults that are challenged mentally who are trying to live on their own.In the weekly classes lessons from portion sizes to reading labels are just part of the curriculum. One of the participants remarked that after the lesson on reading labels she has found herself reading more of the nutrition labels. She went on to say that she has a
Author: Amber Morris
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
I first saw the garden at Russell Cave Elementary after a Chop Chop delivery to their Family Resource Coordinator, Shonda Johnston. I shared with her the services we offer at the Extension Office and how I could be involved with her school. She informed me that their school had a large garden full of raised beds but it had been neglected for years and was severely overgrown. She was not exaggerating! In the butterfly garden the weeds were waist high, poison ivy ran rampant in the seating area. I
Author: Gina Noe
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Because of tightening budgets and dwindling resources, Madison County Extension Agents have been searching for ways to do more collaborative programming to increase efficiency and understanding of all Extension has to offer. It is difficult to come up with ideas that cover all program areas, but this fall we hit upon Pumpkin Palooza. All agents and assistants were able to market the program to their clientele and participated in program planning.The program included samples of Plate-i
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Grant County KY has an Adult obesity rate of 35.6% and a physical activity rate of 30.2%. The Grant County NEP and FCS programs worked together to offer 12 weeks of classes using Healthy Choices, Weight the Reality Series and Simple Steps to Health and Wealth curriculums to help Grant County 15 limited resource adults improve their nutrition and be more active. The local Body Works gym offered free membership through the program, and discounts to anyo
Author: Jhamicah Harbut
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Health disease is a problem for the State of Kentucky. There is a high amount of health-related diseases in America. In Fayette County, the EFNEP program has been a factor in helping families to learn about nutrition education, food safety, food budget, and food and safety techniques to educate and change food pattern behaviors to low-income families with children in the home. Many of the parents are eating high processed, high sodium, and high sugar food related foods and not enough healthy foo
Author: Brenda Williams
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Montgomery Square AptsBy Brenda WilliamsMajor Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)Kentucky State University SNAP- EdFY18 Second Quarter Impact StatementMontgomery County Seniors Two of the challenges of low income older adults is to eat 3 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables, and to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Kentucky State University started a partnership with Montgomery Square Apartments, subsidized housing for the elderly, in August of
Author: Kathleen "Happy" Raffaele
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP) and SNAP Education agree that early intervention improves nutrition and overall health (https://snaped.fns.usda.gov). However, using the standard recall methods to measure the impact with children under 4 years of age is quite a challenge! While working with the 3 and 4-year-old children at Little Acorn Day Care Center, the SNAP-Ed Program assistant did an experimental test using the Eat Well ans Move Evaluation for Kindergarten to second grade (th
Author: Debra Baker
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Montgomery County Adult EducationBy Debra BakerMajor Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods ( 2066 general)Kentucky State University SNAP- EdFY18- Second Quarter Impact Statement In Kentucky, 68% of adults are overweight. In Montgomery County, 78% of adults are overweight, 10% higher than the state average. (https://cedik.ca.uky.edu/sites/cedik.ca.uky.edu/files/montgomery ag food.pdf). These numbers are staggering and confirm the importance of nutrition education for the SNAP-Ed service area.&
Author: Emma Robinson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (KSUCEP) continues to provide low-income families in Kentucky with hands -on nutrition education to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related health challenges. As part of the efforts being made by KSUCEP, nutrition Extension Agent in Jefferson County, Emma Robinson, in partnership with Cooking Matters created a 12-hour class separated into 6 sessions for low income, underserved families who have children in the home. The
Author: Louis "Jenie" Carter
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Success Story (03/2018)How Can I Focus?Living in Louisville, Kentucky may be a privilege for some, but for others it offers many challenges. This is especially true if you live in “Old Louisville” (downtown south of the river), which is categorized as a neighborhood having a large population of low income individuals, and a very high crime rate. Along with these challenges it is ranked 30 out of 130 neighborhoods in Kentucky for it’s poor quality of education. Englehard El
Author: Lora Gullett
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
This is the second class series of Rowan Middle School Enrichment Program partnering with Kentucky State University Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program Education (SNAP/Ed) Area Agent to provide nutrition education to the six, seven, and eight grade enrichment classes in an effort to improve diet quality and health (see Part 1). Beginning with the second semester of school in January 2018, six SNAP-Ed Power-Up Curriculum lessons were taught to eight different classes consisting of 6th,
Author: Nilima Mishra
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Diabetes is a common, serious, and costly disease in Kentucky. Data from the Kentucky Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey 2017 (BRFSS) reported that diagnosed diabetes among adults has more than doubled from 6.5% (198,052) to the current rate of 13.4% (458,381). Based on data from CDC, an additional 152,793 adult Kentuckians are estimated to be living with undiagnosed diabetes. Kentucky has the 4th highest diabetes mortality rate in the nation. In Kentucky, diabetes is the 6th leading cau
Author: Mary Hixson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Recipes and menu planning serve as the building blocks for healthy meals and overall diet. Healthy meal patterns that meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are achieved by considering the overall food intake over a period of time and consuming a variety of foods. While individual recipes cannot meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, collectively they can contribute to meeting the recommendations. School food service should include recipes that highlight whole grains; fresh, frozen, canne
Author: Teresa King
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Throughout Meade County the number of youth going home to an empty house is increasing. In Meade County, 33% of children are living in single parent homes. (Lincoln Trail Health Dept.) Therefore, the single parent is out working when their children get off the school bus. The average child is hungry when they get home from school and have a lack of knowledge when it comes to fixing themselves something healthy to eat.In an effort to educate the children on healthy eating and how to follow direct
Author: Cindy Maggard
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In Kentucky the Center for Disease Control shows our state as 30-35% obesity. Twenty-six limited resource families participated in a program about eating healthier desserts. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant prepared and served a Banana Pudding made using healthier ingredients, such as skim milk, low fat pudding and low fat cookies. Evaluation showed that 96% liked the flavor and taste of the pudding. Based on taste 73% of the participants could not
Author: Brenda Williamson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Pulaski County SNAP-Ed Assistant collaborates with the local Bethany Abuse Shelter by providing nutrition classes for their clients that are residents there. As the Assistant began to teach a group of ladies she found through their 24 Hour Food Recalls and their NEP Food and Physical Activity Entry Questionnaire Forms that this group did not eat enough Fruit and Vegetables on a daily basis.The Assistant taught the NEP lessons "My Plate"and "Meal Planning" along with "
Author: Toina Williams
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
March 27, 2018ALM Care FacilityToni Williams-SNAP-Ed AssistantOne of my participants at the ALM Care Facility has been having some health issues. We talked about what the issues were, I suggested that she eat more vegetables and fruits, to see if there is a change in the health issues she was having.In today’s class we started out with what everyone has been eating over the pass few days and if any one had made any changes to their eating routines. The participant that was having the healt
Author: Katherine Jury
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In Hopkins County, 35% percent of children are overweight or obese, and in all Hopkins County schools, there are over 50% of students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch.These children may or may not have access to healthy foods at home, and their parents may or may not have the life skills to teach them how to prepare healthy foods at home. In an effort to combat childhood obesity, and improve children’s access to healthy foods, the Hopkins County FCS Agent, in partnership wi
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
While working with the Johnson County Senior Citizen Center, the Johnson County SNAP-Ed Assistant talked about limiting the hidden fats, sugars and sodium from their diets. As the topics were discussed we learned that all members of the center were battling health issues that were the effects from one or more of the topics. An average of 19% of this group has diabetes, 56% has hypertension and 20% has high cholesterol. All the members of this group are also on a regular prescribed medication for
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
School readiness is an indicator for later academic success including attainment of higher levels of education and securing employment. School readiness is multidimensional including physical well-being, motor development, social and emotional development, approaches to learning, language development consisting of early literacy, and cognitive or general knowledge.In 2016, only 38% of Martin County children were kindergarten ready according to Brigance K Screen data analysis. To address this iss
Author: Robin Thompson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Due to a significant rise in pregnant, drug-addicted women in Martin County, the Nutrition Education Program partnered with Mountain Comprehensive Care,Serenity House, to educate members regarding healthier food options by learning how to read nutrition labels as well as learn to practice food safety and how manage and save money on food cost. The Nutrition Education Program offered a 7-part required series curriculum, called Healthy Choices for Everybody. As a result of this program,
Author: Toina Williams
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
EXTENSION PROFESSIONAL: Toina Z. WilliamsTITLE: Making Healthy Choices as TeenagersMAJOR PROGRAM: 2066 – Food PreservationOUTCOME TYPE: Long-TermOn September 30, 2016, I was invited to present to the Girl Power Conference at Elizabethtown Community & Technical College. The target audience was 40 middle school girls in the group. I talked on hygiene and healthy eating in how they are all tied together. The young ladies had a lot to say about how and what they were eating and what they w
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Overweight and obesity rates continue to be a growing problem in Lawrence County, Kentucky as identified by FRYSC (Family Resource Youth Service Centers) in the Lawrence County public school system. FRYSC reached out to Lawrence County Nutrition Education program requesting classes that promote healthy cooking and making healthy food choices. The Lawrence County EFNEP (Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program) Assistant partnered with Blaine Elementary FRYSC Coordinator and taught 7 (seven) les
Author: Ashley Board
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Caldwell County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension collaborated with county KEHA leaders to offer a program on gardening options for small spaces. A total of seventy-three participants attended the program. End of session evaluations documented that 78 % of participants gained knowledge about raised bed and container gardening options. 68 % stated their level of understanding of plant spacing for common vegetables increased after the program. 86 % indicated plans to grow vegetables
Author: Andrea Munoz
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Second Trimester Success StoryAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates, the largest population that is increasing in Kentucky are baby bombers (person born between 1946 and 1964), the 2014 census estimate that population over 60 years old was over 925,000, 21% and is expected to increase to 1.17 million by 2030 or 25.6% and according to the Cornell University Disability Status Report 33.4% of Kentucky’s population ages 65-74 have some form of disability. It also important t
Author: Dianne Hayward
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
i-family program was started with the Elementary school administration and the cooperative extension Family and Consumer Science agent to encourage families to be proactive in their child’s life at home and school and to help their children be confident and successful.The group soon found that there was another issue that they had to deal with and that was that not many fathers attended the program this was for a number of reasons like single parent families, grandparents raising children
Author: Vernell Sheets
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Not only does cooking at home help save money and eat healthier, it can be fun and allow added time with family around the dinner table. We may think we don't have time, talent, or patience for cooking but most do. Nutrition Education Program is part of Cooperative Extension Services (FCS) program teaches lessons to limited resource participants to help reach these goals. Healthy nutritious recipes, meal planning and simple exercise are some of the things incorporated in these lessons.
Author: Rebecca Parrent
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Limited resources families in Crittenden County have a hard time stretching their food stamps and other income to meet the nutritional needs of their families. They purchase less healthy food because serving healthy meals and snacks for their family is more expensive. The Crittenden County Extension Service working through the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant Sr. teaches Meal Planning and Food Budgeting and Couponing to help families in Crittenden County
Author: Relissa Torian
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians and Trigg Countians. Obese individuals are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type-2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some types of cancers. The Healthcare Profile for winter 2014 indicates that 33.8% of adults are obese and 35.3% are physically inactive. 11.8% of adults in the county have diabetes. 28.7% (23.2-33.45) of Trigg Countians report having been diagnosed with high
Author: Sandra Kennedy
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
A Grandmother on her regular doctor’s visit received the test results that her cholesterol levels were elevated. At the advice of her physician he wanted to administer one more prescription to help lower her readings. She was really disappointed for she felt she was accomplishing her goals of lowering her bad cholesterol with baking, using canola oil, and leaner cuts of meat.After talking with a friend who had received a packet of nutritional information from the Healthy Choices for Everyb
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Center for Disease Control, Kentucky has the 5th highest obesity rate in the nation with17% of the state’s children being obese. During the 2017-2018 school year, the Family and ConsumerSciences Agent and SNAP-Ed Assistant formed a partnership to lead six Junior Homemakers groups(@ 115 students 5th grade and older) in monthly cooking classes. Each month, the Junior Homemakerswere taught to prepare new healthy recipes which they could sample in class a
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Data from the US census Bureau shows 19.4% of Kentuckians live in poverty. The Healthy Choices forEvery Body series of classes was taught to the residents at a local transitional housing shelter. The majority of the residents were not using their food dollars wisely and had to depend on local foodBanks for food supplies to last the rest of the month. A budgeting lesson was taught emphasizingThe importance of using coupons, adding potatoes, rice, or pasta to stret
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky has the fifth highest rate for obesity in the nation.The UK Cooperative Extension Service, Bell County office SNAP-Ed Assistant and Family Consumer Science Agent teamed up for Weigh 2 Go Wednesdays weight loss series. For eight weeks 14 people participated in this program meeting on Wednesday of each week to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle by limiting their intake of empty calorie foods, using portion control when making
Author: Barbara Campbell
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Fleming County has four Elementary Schools, one of those four has a new program called Friday Club Day. The Fleming County Snap-Ed assistant, along with help from a volunteer, is teaching a Beginning Cooking Class during the club time. The name of the class is Pirate Pioneers (because they are pioneers in cooking). The ages for the classes are 3rd thru 6th grades for the morning class of 18 students and Kindergarten thru 2nd grade for the afternoon class of 12 students.Each Friday before doing a
Author: Kelli Bonifer
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Kids Count Data Center, the obesity rate for Adair County is 14.9%. Research has shown there is a natural link between nutrition, physical activity, and reading. Reading books that focus on preparing and eating healthy foods and being physically active may motivate children to adopt positive food and physical activity behaviors that last a lifetime. The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with Adair County Head Start to offer the Literacy, Eating, and Activit
Author: Danielle Ford
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Each month as I travel into classroom after classroom, and I always come away with learning something new. I bring a new book to read to the preschool, kindergarten and first grade students, teach them some new exercises to get them moving and then we would sample of new food item. I then turn it into a science lesson and have the children make observations about the fruit-its outside appearance, whether it is sweet or not, how big the seed is inside, how it grows, etc. We compare it to other fo
Author: Patara Strunk
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
MY MOUNTAIN DEW HAS HOW MANY TEASPOONS OF SUGAR????May 22, 2018Patara StrunkEFNEP AssistantPerry County, KYThe number of adults who say they drank sugary beverages on a daily basis has dropped 12% according to an article published by Web Md in 2017. It appears that the message of sugary drinks being harmful to our health is getting through to people.The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment Cooperative Extension Service along with Kentucky River Community Care p
Author: Jane Proctor
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the State of Obesity in Kentucky, Kentucky has the seventh highest adult obesity rate in the nation. (Retrieved May, 2018 from https://stateofobesity.org/states/ky/) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in Kentucky 35.1% of adults were overweight and 15.4% of adolescents were overweight. (2016) The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) reports a positive correlation between poverty and obesity. According to the Kids Count Data Center in
Author: Deborah Scaggs
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Underserved Youth Gain Nutrition SkillsThe Pike County Cooperative Extension Office Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP-Ed) partnered with The Sapling Center this year. The Pike County Sapling Center is one of six (6) youth centers in Eastern Kentucky in which young people, aged 14-25, can go to feel less
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Motivated by the success of previous collaborations between the Pike County Cooperative Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and the WestCare Foundation’s Ashcamp location, we were eager to extend the productive partnership into its sixth year. WestCare, a family of tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, provides a wide spectrum of health and human services in both residential and outpatient environments. These services include substance abuse and addiction treatment, homel
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Danger Zones The Pike county Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program entered into its sixth year of partnership with the Ladies West Care Rehab to provide nutritional classes to female clients. Using our Healthy Choices for Everybody Curriculum clients learned to recognize the proper portions control, and how to design a meal plan, read recipe directions, and prepare a grocery list on a limited budget. They were also able to demonstrate proper
Author: Jacqueline Walters
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In Kentucky, 55% of farmers’ markets do not accept SNAP benefits. Yet, recent surveys conducted by theUniversity of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program revealed that SNAP-eligible Kentuckians who shopped for fruit and vegetables at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and pick-your-own produce farms in addition to grocery stores ate an average of one serving more per day than those who shopped only at grocery stores. Increasing SNAP-eligible Kentuckians’ acc
Author: Kathleen "Happy" Raffaele
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
SNAP-Ed teaches increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables, using lowfat dairy and eating whole grain foods will lead to improved health. With this in mind the SNAP Education Assistant in Anderson County provided a Family Nutrition class.Using the Teen Cuisine curriculum, along with Healthy Choices for Everybody, families focused on the importance of good nutrition, food safety and preparation of easy, healthy recipes.Entry and Exit questionnaires confirmed that positive changes were made in
Author: Brad Stone
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The most recent census information for Lewis County, KY shows that 80% of the population is overweight or obese and only 7% of the county residents consume the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables. Studies also show that 42% of county residents suffer from hypertension with Lewis County being in the top ten (10) counties for heart disease in Kentucky. These alarming statistics led the Lewis County SNAP-Ed Assistant to partner with the Licking Valley Community Action Senior
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Lawrence County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) assistants promoted the importance of eating fruits and vegetables during lunch time at Louisa West Elementary School (LWES). To get the students’ attention, the NEP assistants dressed in fruit and vegetable costumes and talked with students as they went through the lunch line. NEP assistants discussed MyPlate and the importance of making half the plate fruits and vegetables. Several students went back through the line and chose another
Author: Shalena Simpson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
SituationHarlan County has the third highest unemployment rate in Kentucky. Thirty-seven percent of Harlan County residents live in poverty. Education ResponseThe Extension Service conducts programs to assist families who are challenged by the current economic situation. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant conducted a series of programs at the Depot, an educational building located centrally in the city. This facility is surrounded by many resources that aid in the f
Author: Angela Freeman
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
"Research shows that family meals promote healthier eating -- more fruits, vegetables and fiber; less fried food; and often fewer calories," says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy spokesperson Angela Ginn. (February 24, 2014, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) “Children who eat regular family dinners also consume more fruits, vegetables, vitamins and micronutrients, as well as fewer fried foods and soft drinks. And the nutritional benefits keep paying dividends
Author: Sara Jenkins
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
LEAP for HealthPoor nutrition and physical inactivity are tied to obesity. Recent research shows that among U.S. children, ages 2 to 4, nearly 14% were overweight and 13.5% were obese. Obesity rates for children ages 6 to 11 was even higher at 17.5%. Obesity has been shown to contribute to major health issues including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, elevated blood cholesterol levels, low self-esteem, negative body image and depression in children. The spread of disease among children is a
Author: Martha Yount
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Nutrition Education Program and FCS Extension continue to build a collaboration with school nutrition in Kentucky’s education system. The school cafeteria offers an opportunity for Policy, Systems and Environment change that will immediately and directly impact many of the 479,000 Kentucky students that are eligible for free or reduced price school meals. (KDE, 2018) Many Kentucky schools are providing at least 2 meals a day to students, with others serving additional snacks or even su
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
SNAP-Ed and Budgeting The most recent 2018 reporting in Data USA shows that Johnson County Kentucky has a population of 23,280 and a decrease in the median household income from $35,570 to $35,060 that’s a 1.43% decrease. This decrease leaves Johnson County with the poverty rate at 26.2% and 32% of these are children under the age of 18 and 14% are seniors (65 and over). The Johnson County SNAP-Ed Assistant worked with 38 participants who attended a series of 7 lessons focusing o
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Johnson Central High School has over 125 students in its freshmen class. Of those 75% said that they drink very little water, if any at all. From that total 35% of the students participate in an after school sports program and choose sport drinks and soda over water.The Johnson County SNAP-Ed Assistant did a series of lessons with the freshman class using the Teen Cuisine Curriculum and Rethink Your Drink lesson. The students discussed the importance of eating breakfast and healthy snacks. Along
Author: Rebecca Parrent
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Several grandparents in Crittenden Co. are having to raise their grandchildren or their nieces and nephews. Most of these grandparents are on a fixed income and have a hard time just feeding themselves.They simply don’t have the resources to purchase healthy food for the family because they usual run out of food before the end of the month. The Crittenden County Extension Service working through the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant teaches My Plate,
Author: Michelle House
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
It seems like a lot to ask of a person when you ask they become more physically active. Time, temperatures, and motivation are factors considered and usually are the excuses used to not be active.In Laurel County the Nutrition Education Program assistant has given enough evidence based information and encouragement for 76% of program participants to make small changes in order to become more active, exercise at least 30 minutes daily after sharing information, and have started doing workou
Author: Michelle House
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Food safety practices seem to follow generational traditions rather than recommendations.In Laurel County the Nutrition Education Program assistant has been successful in changing food safety behaviors in 100% of the program participants. Enough evidence based research has been shared with participants that they now wash their hands before cooking, wash their hands after handling raw meats, clean surfaces to prevent contamination, and they no longer thaw items on the counter.
Author: Michelle House
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
People hate shopping for needed items. In order to get those groceries in people go to the store unprepared and with a sense of dread. They have no clue what they want to eat, what they have on hand, what's on sale, and usually no clue hot to cook a variety of items so they end up buying and fixing the same things over and over, which does not allow for new experiences or wide nutritional variety.In Laurel County 97% of participants in the Nutrition Education Program meetings sho
Author: Michelle House
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Recess and gym time are limited in schools. There is no "home ec" class offered in each school. Parents are busy working, going to school, running kids to appointments and activities. Most families eat on the run, but when they do eat at home it is still a tiresome rush. Families don't eat together often and even more rarely do they cook together. It is a sad situation where people of all ages, especially youth, aren't active enough and can not pre
Author: Shalena Simpson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Harlan County has the third highest unemployment rate and thirty-seven percent of Harlan County residents live in poverty. The data from Kentucky Health Facts also indicates that only 17% of adults get their recommended fruit and vegetable intake. Also, 71% of the county is overweight. I feel that reaching the youth in Harlan County at a young age can help make these behavioral changes before adulthood. I conducted 2 programs in Harlan County that had a positive outcome.
Author: Jhamicah Harbut
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Health promotion is one of the keys to transforming lives and helping the community change their lives. Obesity is a problem for the State of Kentucky Fayette County is making strides in significant ways. One of those ways involves working with the second graders at Booker T Washington Elementry School. The EFNEP program from Kentucky State University has been working with the students for a couple of years. The partnership between the school and program has transformed many lives. Fitness
Author: Marcia Moss
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In August of 2013 the Bullitt County Extension Service,Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant and the Bullitt County Detention Center became partners to bring healthy eating to the men in the Substance Abuse Program. One of the goals in the program is to promote food safety. To ensure that the men understand the importance of washing hands we use the Germ Glo program. We will use several of the men in the program and have them wash their hands with water,soap and water an
Author: Sara Talbott
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In 2016, Kentucky youth ranging from 10-17 years old ranked 14th out of 51st nationally in obesity. The percentage of Kentucky youth who are obese is 33.5%. The national average for obesity is 31.2%. (https://stateofobesity.org/states/ky/). The Nutrition Education programs conducted the Super Star Chef program with 643 youth in thirty-nine counties across Kentucky. They majority of youth who participated ranged from grades third-sixth. The Central Kentucky Area Nutrition Agent was in charge of o
Author: Amy Singleton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Regional Extension Agent for the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program, Amy Singleton, facilitated meeting with county Department of Community Based Services in an effort to strengthen regional partnerships across the Commonwealth of Kentucky and increase outreach of the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program to participants receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Five meetings took place across Extension District 2 including the following counties: Bell, Breathit
Author: Brenda Williams
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Challenge was to identify ways to reduce the unhealthy sugars, and salt in their diet. Kentucky State started a partnership with Shepherd Shelter a rehab for drug addiction treatment center, in September of 2017. The SNAP-Ed assistant does a weekly class using Healthy Choices for Everybody. The week prior the assistant taught Know the Limits for Everybody. Using the test tube as a visual on how much sugar is in a twelve ounce can of soda. When returning for the next class a client info
Author: Lora Gullett
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
KSU SNAP-Ed Nutrition Program provided 6 session of lessons to 6 classes of Rodburn Elementary School Students in grades kindergarten, first and second using the Organwise Curriculum during their health class. The Organwise Guys are a set of engaging characters that teach children about the importance of good nutrition, physical activity and overall healthy lifestyles. The goal of the Organwise Curriculum is to help decrease the prevalence of childhood obesity and 33% of Rowan County students ar
Author: Gidgett Sweazy
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Each summer, millions of school children are hungry without the meals provided at school. The Kentucky Department of Education (other states use different agencies to facilitate the program) partners with sponsors across the state to provide summer meals to children from 2-18 throughout the summer months. Kentucky State University Extension is one of those sponsors. KSU is currently working in three counties to provide summer meals. Two of those counties are Anderson, where there is also a KSU S
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the State of Obesity Policies for Better Health, 33% of Kentucky teens are obese. Many counties in Kentucky lack environments that can support healthy diets and regular physical activity. Healthy dietary and physical activity practices can lower the risk for heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. In addition, excess calorie intake and lack of physical activity has been linked to obesity in Warren County. According to the CDC only 22% of Kentucky teens are physically active 60 min
Author: Katherine Shoultz
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The KY Nutrition Education Program, as part of CES, encompasses two separate USDA programs, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-ED). As a part of the SNAP-ED plan for 2017-2018, a marketing campaign was introduced to provide indirect education to limited resource families in conjunction with direct education provided by University of Kentucky Nutrition Education program assistants and University of KY Cooperative Exte
Author: Dianne Hayward
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Cumberland County Lunchroom School staff in all three schools, do a fantastic job of caring for and feeding our students healthy and nutritious meals. However, it can be challenging for them firstly because the County has a 72% percent of students on free and reduced meal plans so this limits the money spent by schools on food. Also food service staff are in the low income bracket and found it difficult to manage their own meals with the times they have to be at school preparing students meals.T
Author: Kristi Shive
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
A Healthy Eating Series Nutritionwas held in Warren County, Kentucky. Many of the Adults who enrolled had poorfood safety practices and often ran out of food before the end of the month. Aserious on “Healthy Choices for Every Body” was conducted by one of the SNAP EdAssistants from the Warren County Cooperative Extension Service. The SNAP EdAssistant partnered with Community Education to present a series focused on teachingparticipants how to create healthy meals on a budget, food sa
Author: Emma Robinson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Whenever I go to a site to do lessons I always take a pitcher with me. When I get to the site I fill the pitcher with ice, water and some type of fruit or vegetable,, lemons, cucumbers, oranges whatever I have on hand. The adult participants stopped bringing soft drinks to class and drank the infused water that was provided for them. The children love it and drink water throughout the classes. The minister of Briargate Presbyterian Church told me today th
Author: Laykin Smith
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In today's society young adults lack the necessary cooking skills needed to prepare meals and feed their families. I discovered this when visiting a local adult education center. A young mother was unaware of how to properly use a knife and peel a potato or any other fruit and vegetable. After a lesson of cooking terms and techniques including hands on experience class was dismissed. A month or so later I saw the young mother in the grocery store, her cart contained apples and potatoes, she
Author: Brenda Williamson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Lake Hill Oasis Center in Pulaski County KY is a rehabilitation center for men with an alcohol and/or drug addiction. People with these addictions have poor nutritional habits. The SNAP-Ed Assistant in Pulaski County goes to the Oasis Center twice a week to enroll the men in the Nutrition Education Program offered through the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Upon enrolling 14 men into group #5 the Assistant found that all this group had a very poor diet quality according
Author: Caroline Durr
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In 2016, the Nutrition Education Program Area Agent and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant with the Cooperative Extension Service in Jefferson County met with staff at Kentucky Refugee Ministries to discuss partnership opportunities to provide services to the growing refugee population in Louisville. “Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Inc. (KRM), a non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing resettlement services to refugees through faith- and agency-based co-spo
Author: Caroline Durr
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, only 6.3% of Kentuckians surveyed were consuming the recommended amount of vegetables per day and only 8% were consuming the recommended amount of fruit per day. Additionally, the 2017 State of Obesity report found that Kentucky ranked seventh in obesity in the nation, with 34% of the state’s population considered to be obese. Because of this, nutrition education, information and resources are extremely important to i
Author: Teresa King
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Only eleven percent of adults in Meade County consume the daily recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables. Thirty-four percent of adults in Meade County are considered obese. Educating youth at a young age and allowing them to discover new foods may help these issues.In an effort to improve the health of Meade County youth, the Meade County Cooperative Extension EFNEP Assistant partnered with Ekron Elementary School. The Discover MyPlate Program was conducted with 19 Kindergarte
Author: Tiffany Bolinger
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The definition of food insecurity is the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. According to Feeding America, Christian County has a food insecurity rate of 18.9% or an estimated 14,020 individuals. Feeding America assists a total of seven pantries, soup kitchens and service organizations in Christian County. The Agent for Family & Consumer Science in Christian County met with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator of Feedin
Author: Marcia Moss
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Bullitt County Extension Service,Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant and the Bullitt County Public School System have finished their fifth school year of working together to bring healthy eating habits to some 214 students. Grades range from first,second fourth and fifth grades in three of the grade schools.One of the goals in the program is to encourage the children to try different foods so using recipes from the Professor Popcorn Program we made a cookbook that each
Author: Dianne Hayward
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Cumberland County Home school parents wanted their child’s education to include life skills in things like where does there food come from ?, home gardening . However, many of these parents did not have any agricultural practice skills or had limited experience themselves so, they asked the Extension Agricultural and Natural Resource agent if she would hold a class for the youth group. The extension Family and Consumer Science agent also agreed to help with the youth (23) classes under the
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Life Connection is a residential facility located in LaRue County that is home to 40 boys, ages 10 -18, who are wards of the state. This year the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant along with the County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent assisted the boys with a garden project. They met twice a month with the youth during the growing season. 75% of the boys had never planted a garden before. Gardening skills that were taught to the youth included preparation of
Author: Kristopher Grimes
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Over the course of the past 5 years, the health and wellness of Kentucky State University staff, faculty, and students have demonstrated a noticeable decline. This decline has been measured by the increased incidence of preventable disease and insurance claims by the university insurance providers. Because of this, it was determined that organizing a campus wide health and wellness initiative would serve to improve overall health and moral of campus individuals.Based upon research at o
Author: Barbara Campbell
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Fresh is BestThe SNAP-Ed Assistant in Fleming County collaborates with the local Save-A-Lot grocery store at least six times a year to set up an educational display, share food samples and recipes. The assistant tries to always prepare a recipe so the items can be purchased at the Save-A-Lot store, and suggests buying fresh produce whenever possible.It was during one of these collaborations that a food safety display along with the “Summer Fruit Salad” recipe from the Healthy Choices
Author: Brad Stone
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The most recent census information for KY shows that only 21.4% of the population is physically active for (60) minutes or more throughout the day. Studies also show that 17% participated in no physical activity over the course of a day with 28.8% watching television for more than three hours each day. These alarming statistics, in combination with an obesity percentage of 66.6% (individuals with a BMI of 25 or greater) opened a door for the Lewis County SNAP-Ed Assistant to partner with a local
Author: Andrea Munoz
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Rookie Cooking Camp (RCC) is a signature program of the Kentucky State University Nutrition Program that the SNAP-Ed Program Assistant has used successfully in Whitley County.The Program targets middle and high school students. Most of these kids are not familiar with preparing food and what it means to plan a balanced meal. RCC encourages students to learn about healthy eating, improved cooking skills, meal planning, as well as to share a meal with family members and the community. The program
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Martin Countians are living in poverty, are food insecure, and are experiencing preventable diseases, such as obesity. In 2013, Martin County residents were considered obese representing 39.3% of the county’s population.To address this issue, Martin County Extensions 4H and Family & Consumer Sciences program partnered with the Family Resource Centers to host a Day Camp for youth ages 9-18 years. This camp provided hands-on, nutrition education focusing on preparing healthy foods and ho
Author: Jill Harris
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Todd County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences program hosted Super Star Chef camp in June. Twenty-one children attended at least one of the days. At the end of the four day camp, seventeen (17) respondents completed pre- and posttests.Overall, pre-post comparisons of participant responses to the assessment instrument show that the program enhanced participant understanding of the nutrition concepts covered in the program. The average total score on the test increased from 11.18 in the p
Author: Robin Thompson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Martin County Supplemental Nutrition Education Program partnered with Sheldon Clark High Schools Culinary Class to teach high school students a 6 topic Teen Cuisine program. From the pre-program evaluation, majority of the students lacked knowledge of correct food safety practices and proper hand-washing techniques. To address the issue, each topic focused on food safety and hand-washing to ensure these two important practices of cooking are being done correctly. Also, hands-on educat
Author: Robin Thompson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In 2014, 4,401 Martin County residents lived in poverty and 1,093 of them were children. In 2015, 3,981 residents received SNAP benefits. A large portion of these individuals are considered obese due to inactivity and unhealthy eating habits. To address this issue, the Supplemental Nutrition Education Program partnered with Martin County Head Start parents to offer a 7 week program to 11 men and women to teach hands-on, nutrition education to limited resource audiences focused on buying and
Author: Stephanie Derifield
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
For many years, Nutrition Education Program (NEP) assistants in District 1 counties were unable to get passed the receptionist at local Department of Community-Based Service (DCBS) offices. Many assistants were ask to take a number and wait their turn, even if it was to ask permission to leave brochures, flyers and/or NEP educational materials. Due to the efforts of NEP State staff working with DCBS State staff, local DCBS office doors were opened to NEP and Cooperative Extension Service (
Author: Rosie Allen
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Consider for a moment how food is at the core of community well-being. It provides sustenance, fueling our performance at school, work, and play. It’s hard to dispute that everyone deserves access to food that is healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate. For many of us, food is an easy thing to take for granted, but the systems that ensure we’re able to access and enjoy food are not always obvious. Local government plans, policies, and programs influence – for better or
Author: Janet Mullins
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
An annual study by Feeding America, reports that one in six Kentuckians – including one in five children – was food insecure in 2014, meaning that consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year. Kentucky organizations that serve the hungry fed an estimated 58 million meals to approximately 611,000 Kentuckians in 2016. In 2017, the “Food Immunity Bill” was enacted to provide farmers and food gleaners with liabi
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Teaching kids about healthy eating and making nutritious food choices can be a challenge.The Hopkins County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the Hopkins County Health Department in bringing healthy snack choices to the students of West Broadway Elementary School. This program was called the “Food for Thought” Nutrition Tasting Program. Every week during the month of March, elementary school students received a healthy snack sample that they could try during
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
A major goal of the Nutrition Education Program can be summed up with a direct quote from the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum facilitator guide, “ Explain that MYPLATE is a good starting point for making healthy choices for participants and their families.” The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant, the Butler County Family and Consumer Science Agent, Andrea’s Mission for Men, and Andrea’s Mission for Men’s Dietician, came together to ac
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Healthy Choices for Every Body is essentially the core and basis of the Nutrition Education Program. The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught this curriculum weekly at the Butler County Extension Office to a group of likeminded individuals. The group consisted of a variety of ages; preteen to over the age of 60. Although diverse ages and backgrounds they formed a bond and support group. The efforts of the NEP assistant, and this group continues. This cla
Author: Relissa Torian
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
At the end of the third lesson, “Knowing the Limits for Every Body,” a female participant shared with the class that she always adds salt to her foods before tasting. Challenged by the lesson, she is taking one week at a time, reducing her sodium intake by NOT adding salt to prepared foods, eating more fresh foods, and less canned or processed foodsDuring a visit at Farmer’s Market, her healthy eating choices were rewarded. The local FCS Agent along with Dietetics students from
Author: Heather Cheek
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Mason County FCS partnered with the University of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program to bring Super Star Chef to Mason County. This program is a 3-Day Cooking Camp for ages 9-18. Below is a result of the pre and posttests that show the initial outcomes of the camp. This report is based on the data from fourteen (14) respondents to the pre- and posttests. Of these participants, ten (10) were female and four (4) were male. Table 1 presents additional information on the characteristics of the par
Author: Joe Maynard
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Martin Countians are living in poverty, are food insecure and are experiencing preventable diseases such as obesity. IN 2013, martin County residents had an obesity rate of 39.3%To address this issue, the Martin County 4-H and Family and Consumer Sciences programs partnered with the Family Resource Centers to host a day Camp for your ages 9-18. This camp provided hands-on nutrition education focusing on preparing healthy foods and how to easily incorporate fruits and vegetables into
Author: Stacy Smith
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Clinton County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Foothills Academy in Clinton County to bring nutritional information to their employees. Foothills Academy is a residential treatment facility for young boys who have found themselves in trouble with the court system but whose actions haven’t warranted jail time. The Clinton County School District provides certified teachers to assist the young men in achieving their high school education while housed at the
Author: Sarah Brandl
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Limited resource families and individuals face many obstacles when trying to make healthy food choices, secure food, safely prepare and manage their food budget. The Nutrition Education Program in Kentucky addresses these needs with work done by paraprofessionals hired to teach basic nutrition in 91 of the 120 counties.During the past year, 34 new NEP paraprofessionals were hired, several in counties that have not had an NEP paraprofessional in many years. These newly hired paraprofes
Author: Mary Hixson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The monthly cooking classes educate consumers on healthy and safe food preparation methods, help participants gain knowledge on different foods and dishes, help stretch food dollars and provide first hand knowledge about recipes provided through the Extension Service. Many of the recipes used also incorporate fruits and vegetables which encourages home use of more fruits and vegetables in the family diet. Cooking Classes have been held for the past 5 years. Surveying participants supported the f
Author: Gwenda Johnson
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
For several years, the major source of income for the Elliott County Farmers' Market was the Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Through building a facebook page for the market, advertising on radio, in the Elliott County News, doing on site food demonstrations, and helping vendors display their produce, the market increased the amount of cash receipts. The amount of cash income was more than the income from SFMNP vouchers. This indicates the market is moving toward sustainabili
Author: Matti Coffey
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Plate It Up Kentucky Proud is a partnership between the University of Kentucky Nutrition and Dietetics Program, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and the Cooperative Extension Service. This program educates Kentuckians on locally grown produce and how to use them to provide nutritious meals for their families.Whitley County has two locations for the local farmers’ markets, one at the Extension Office in Goldbug and one downtown Corbin. There are a variety of vendors who sell items fr
Author: Amy Stooksbury
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Good nutrition can be a challenge for seniors. Appetites decrease and seniors may have difficulty shopping or preparing nutritious meals. Food demonstrations with hands on activities preparing simple dishes encourages seniors to prepare meals at home.The Todd County NEP Assistant started a “Cooking through the Calendar” in January 2018, at the Todd County Senior Citizens Center. To encourage attendance, names of participants who attended the classes were entered into a drawing for a
Author: Amy Stooksbury
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Todd County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and NEP Assistant teach nutrition each year at the schools in Todd County. However, children show a lack of interest in why they should have healthy eating habits. To reinforce the importance of eating healthy, the practical living teacher at the middle school invites the Todd County NEP Assistant to teach health and nutrition to each of her classes each year. After teaching My Plate in 2017 to five practical living classes and noticing the
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
In the absence of a FCS agent efforts were directed to keep those traditional clients of FCS Extension engaged and feeling wanted and needed. Discussions were held with FCS stakeholders to see what they wanted to see in the absence of a fulltime FCS agent. As a result of discussions, stakeholders asked for a focus on healthy local foods. Programming has been put into place that has included the following items:Low cost beef meals for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support grou
Author: Michele West
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Improvements in Kentuckian’s nutrition related behaviors are needed to reduce the statewide burden of obesity and chronic disease. Based on the Community Based Prevention Marketing approach, the University of Kentucky Social Marketing Project to Improve Dietary Quality of SNAP-Ed Eligible Kentuckians through Mobile Technologies will determine barriers and motivators to using mobile technology to improve nutrition and increase consumption of fruit and vegetablesDuring the 2017 program year,
Author: Anita Jones
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Many Kentuckians experience food insecurity.Adult Obesity is 46% compared to state average of 33%. The Overweight percent is 74% compared to state average of 68%. The Carter County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant collaborated with the elementary schools in Carter County teaching 186 first graders about nutrition and healthy snacks using Literacy, Eating and Activity for Primary (LEAP) curriculum. The students can identify the part of My Plate and cate
Author: Anita Jones
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Carter County is rural with limited places for residents to walk or be active and safe. Forty-six percent of the adult population lack physical activity according to the CDC compared to 30% for the state average. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant (NEP) for Carter County partnered with the teachers and administration at Olive Hill Elementary school to present Wellness in Kentucky, a curriculum that encourages positive ph
Author: Whitney Paige Alexander
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
As Paige began teaching lessons at the workshop Lou one of the CSA workers had discussed clients were always at the vending machines. Lou’s concern was that clients were drinking too many soft drinks, consuming too many high calorie and high fat foods. Lou had asked Paige to discuss with clients about high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity because of the high percentage rates of those diseases in Kentucky. The next lesson to be taught was the “Knowing the Limits”. This
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to Feeding America, the overall food insecurity rate in Clinton County is 16.5%. In an effort to address food insecurity, the Clinton County Extension Office coordinated an “I Can Help Fight Hunger” event at a local grocery store. The event promoted the summer feeding program, provided Plate It Up Kentucky Proud recipe samples, increased awareness of the food insecurity need throughout the community, and collected canned and non-perishable food items that will be distribute
Author: Anita Jones
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Carter County is a rural community with a population of 27,000 people. Twenty-two percent of the county lives in poverty. The Carter County Nutrition Program (NEP) Assistant conducted a series of 7 classes at Pathways for the Therapeutic Rehabilitation Group, using the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum that promotes nutrition, food resource management and food safety. The group consisted of 12 adults, male and female, ranging in age from 28-67, who live w
Author: Anita Jones
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Carter County is a rural county with 27,144 people living in it, with limited activities for teens having limited transportation. Twenty-two percent of the county live in or below poverty, and for thirty one percent of the county, transportation is an issue. The Carter County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant worked with local youth at West Carter Middle School, the youth were taught a nutrition lesson and played a ph
Author: Whitney Paige Alexander
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
With growing rates of obesity in the state of Kentucky; Logan County has a high percentage over forty percent obesity rate. In today’s society majority of adults complain that they do not have time for physical activity because they are too busy. The University of Kentucky supplied Family Consumer Science agents with a new curriculum “Couch Potato Challenge” to help individuals in the community to become more active by social media. The program focuses on building up to walking
Author: Whitney Paige Alexander
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Center of Disease Control Logan County has an obesity rate over forty percent. Logan County is a larger rural county with a lot of access to fresh local grown produce. However some families are on limited budget and have limited resources. To reach a population of diverse individuals that typically do not grow a garden or get to eat local grown fresh produce due to lack of resources the Agriculture and Natural Resource agent and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Educator
Author: Vernell Sheets
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Morgan county Cooperative Extension teamed up with Gateway Head start parents. Nutrition Education Program Assistance taught a nutrition lesson on fruit and vegie to 3 groups of head start parents. The parents were not eating enough fruit and vegetables and were not exercising As a result of the lessons 97% of participants are eating more fruit and vegies per day. additionally 97% of participants showed improvement in physical activity.
Author: Laykin Smith
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
A garden was started at a rehabilitation/therapy facility in our area. Participants have mild to moderate mental disabilities or handicaps, after successful completion of the Healthy Choices for Every Body series a garden was planted by the group. Many participants grew up on a farm or worked on one, this was a great way to bring back wonderful memories while providing nourishment for their bodies. Participants have worked very hard to plant and maintain their garden, knowing they will soon reap
Author: Nancy Kelley
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The District 7 Area Agent for Nutrition Education Programs (NEP) visited 30 DCBS offices in Districts 6 and 7 between July and November 2017. The purpose of the visits was to share information regarding the NEP Healthy Choice program taught by SNAP-Ed and EFNEP program assistants in those counties. Accompanying the Area Agent were the NEP program assistants, and in some cases, the county Family and Consumer Science agent. The visits consisted of an introduction to UK Cooperative Extension, the N
Author: Tiffany Bolinger
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Having a local Farmers’ Market is an asset for the entire community. Farmers’ Markets not only provide convenient access to fresh local produce, which promotes good nutrition, they also support local farmers and economy.In the spring of 2017 the Founder’s Square Feast committee met together to plan the second annual farm to table event. Community members purchased tickets to a meal which was prepared by a local chef using local produce from Farmers’ Market vendors and ser
Author: Judith O'Bryan
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Laurel County Farmers Market, the City of London and the Laurel County Extension Office collaborated for the 2nd Annual Farmers Feast. The Farmers Feast program entailed a dinner where all ingredients are locally sourced. Local farmers were highlighted by setting up sample tables and participants were encouraged to meet their local farmers. Agriculture, Horticulture, and Family and Consumer Science Agents worked together to prepare a local dinner that fed 200 participants. The ev
Author: Velma Mullins
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Our mission is to make a difference in lives of Kentucky families through research based education.Families are learning to make changes that show improvements and new healthy lifestyle behaviors. The Laurel County Extension nutrition education assistants partnered with the First Methodist church to provide nutrition and cooking demonstrations to Laurel County residents to improve their cooking skills and have healthy lifestyles. Twenty one participants attended programs and they learned c
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Farms are an essential and diverse part of Kentucky’s economy, contributing billions of dollars each year across the State. In Woodford County alone, agriculture and the businesses that support it are responsible for one out of three jobs and $565 million in annual revenue. In an effort to promote agriculture, local farms, and producers in the County, the Woodford County Cooperative Extension Service hosted the first annual Woodford County Farm to Table dinner. The dinner was made po
Author: Danielle Barrett
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Local Farmers Markets play a key role in the local food system by providing access to fresh and nutritious fruits, vegetables, eggs, and other locally produced goods. The local markets often fill the void in low economic areas, providing these high quality items to all socioeconomic classes.Knox County Extension Office collaborated with the Knox County Farmers’ Market and Knox County Health Department providing promotion and education to seniors on the importance of fruits and vegetables i
Author: Rita Stewart
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Many clients now choose to have their own garden or buy locally grown produce at the local farmers' market in Lincoln County. This Family and Consumer Sciences Agent works very closely with teaching the required certification training for our farmers to participate in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Farmers Market Nutrition Education Program. In doing so, farm families selling at the farmers market may accept the food instruments distributed to qualifying senior citizens and WIC recip
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate-intensity level activity for 2.5 hours each week can reduce the risk for obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, depression, colon cancer and premature death. The CDC also considers gardening a moderate-intensity level activity that offers other benefits, as well. In addition to these health benefits, gardens have been scientifically proven to be a stress reliever.Backyard gard
Author: Tamera Magee
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Mason Jar has become a rock star when it comes to food presentation, storage, and decor in showers, weddings, craft projects, etc. In other words, no longer are they used only for food preservation. Partnering with our local library the Franklin County Extension Service taught thirty-nine participants a variety of ways to use Mason Jars for meals. The agent discussed the types and sizes of jars and how to use them for a variety of healthy meals, desserts, and snacks. After sharin
Author: Elizabeth Kingsland
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Fayette County Extension Office is located near several larger apartment complexes that house limited resource families and seniors on fixed incomes. This audience is venerable to poor eating habits and lack of food preparation skills that can lead to obesity. To address the needs of people living and working near the Extension office the Family and Consumer Sciences and Nutrition Education Program assistants conduct a once a month class at noon entitled “Cooking the Calendar
Author: Caroline Hughes
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Robertson County is a low income county of 2191 residents. Approximately 24% live below the poverty level and have trouble accessing nutritious food. Senior citizens make up over 14% of the county's population and many have limited transportation access. The Farmers Market in Mt. Olivet is within walking distance of many residents in town and has become a vital part of their food network.Robertson County Extension Service has become part of this connection. The Family and Consume
Author: Valerie Holland
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
West Louisville continues to lose grocery stores classifying it as a “food desert” — an area where there is limited access to healthy and affordable food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that food deserts are not just a problem of convenience but the decreased access contributes to a poor diet and higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases. The Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with a Fres
