Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Emily Matthews
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Kentucky Kids Count Data Center, adequate nutrition is essential for children’s physical growth and brain development however, in Barren County 21.2% of the youth population experiences food insecurity. During the school closures due to COVID-19 the Barren County nutrition education program assistant partnered with Barren County Schools to assist in serving hot meals to children in the community. Materials from the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program were delivered along
Author: Emily Matthews
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Barren County Cooperative Extension SNAP-education program assistant partnered with the family self-sufficiency coordinator from Housing Authority of Glasgow to offer a Children’s cooking camp. According to Feeding America, 21.2% of children in Barren County, Kentucky are food insecure. To help combat this issue, the Teen Cuisine program was conducted during a 3 day period over fall break.Teen Cuisine teaches self-sufficiency in the kitchen while also promoting healthy habits. At the e
Author: Lisa Lamb
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During this Covid 19 pandemic I found a way to still keep in touch with my families while I was still able to keep socially distant and taking all percautions for my health and the health of the families. Garrard County has 1135 children enrolled in our School Systems, these children some of which live way out in the county are under served families. I devised a way to make contact with these families by creating healthy snack kits for the children in my county. I started working with the local
Author: Bobbie Hancock
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In response to the continuing need for information during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mercer County SNAP-NEP assistant and the Mercer County ANR Agent teamed up to provide nutrition education information via the local school’s “backpack program”. Both had attended training and received new curriculum resources through Kentucky Agriculture & Environment in the Classroom. Using those resources, they promoted protein and dairy to celebrate National Beef month and Na
Author: Bobbie Hancock
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Citrus Chicken Stir FryEgg Plant Pasta BakeThe Mercer County NEP partnered with the Mercer County Family Resource Center (FRC) to reach 20 local youth who had an interest in cooking and wanted to learn more about healthy eating habits. The majority of the youth, along with their families, received food items each week via the “backpack program”. After gauging the interest the children had in wanting to try fresh fruit and vegetables, the NEP and FRC were able to procure a
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Relapse ReturnDuring the first 60 days of the coronavirus crisis, the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported a relapse rate of 10% higher than average of those returning to drug/alcohol use. Those already in a residential facility prior to the “shutdown” were confined to those facilities without family visitations or any contact with the outside world. The Boyd County SNAP-Ed Assistant had worked with a recovery center during the past year and was concerned with
Author: Sandra Kennedy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clark County Cooperative Extension office closed its doors to the public in March 2020. Due to this, there was no opportunities to offer in-person educational programming through the spring or early summer. The Cooperative Extension team, including the 4-H agent, the FCS agent, and the NEP assistant, decided to offer grab and go programs each week to make sure the education was still being offered to the community in a way they could access.NEP Assistant
Author: Laura Milburn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Food Insecurity Data for Washington County Kentucky, 13.4% of the population is food insecure. To combat this hunger issue, The Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry has been serving Washington County on a monthly basis during the 2019-2020 year . In addition to providing a variety of supplemental food for over 200 Washington County residents, the food pantry also delivers 135 Senior Commodity Food boxes.Washington County Community Action coordinates the food available
Author: Laura Milburn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In Kentucky drug and alcohol addiction problems are rising. This rise in addiction is negativity affecting our state’s health and our families. The men and women living in this addictive state are generally nutrition deficient due to their lifestyle. Therefore, the Washington County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant has partnered with the One Bridge to Hope in Washington County to bring the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum to recovering addicts. In ad
Author: Laura Milburn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Kentucky Health Facts org, Washington County reports that 29% of its residents have some form of hypertension and report being physically unhealthy at least 5 days a month.To combat these numbers the Washington County Family Consumer Science agent and the SNAP-Ed Program Assistant with the Lincoln Trail Health Department and Fuel Fitness Center offered a Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle course titled Biggest Winner 2020.Weekly meetings were held over the course of 3 months. Thi
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Pollution increases com­pounds called free radicals in the body. Too many free radi­cals in the body cause oxida­tive stress. Oxidative stress can increase the risk for cancer and other chronic diseases because cells are damaged more easily and do not repair themselves as well. However, healthy lifestyle choices and habits may reduce the negative health effects and disease outcomes association with pollution or chemical exposure. (University of Kentucky Body Balance Curriculum and Re
Author: Bobbie Hancock
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Mercer County Nutrition Education Program Assistant, partnering with Mercer/Boyle Head Start, used the LEAP Program (Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Preschool Youth) to serve 63 children aged 4 and 5 years. The students were read a nutrition story aloud, then comprehension questions were asked of them. The children were introduced to a MyPlate food item each month, and asked to use their senses to answer questions about the particular food item. How does it look, feel, smell,
Author: Brad Stone
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The goal of the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) is to provide as much information as is possible to residents of Kentucky. As a result of COVID-19, delivery methods for the NEP were altered drastically. The Lewis County Cooperative Extension Service staff worked together to ensure the community had ample opportunities to continue receiving educational material related to nutrition and health. With limited to no physical opportunities as an option, the Lewis County SNAP
Author: Abigail Ewing
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of adults in the United States meeting federal fruit and vegetable intake recommendations in 2015 was 12% for fruits and 9% for vegetables. In Kentucky, these percentages were 8% for fruits and 6% for vegetables. These are alarming statistics, and they reinforce why programs like the Healthy Choices for Everybody are so important. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations have been forced to rethink ways in which th
Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Families have been impacted financially and psychologically by the Corona virus Pandemic. The Butler County Extension Service worked with The Kentucky Dairy Development Council and the H&S Dairy Farm to secure a semi-load of fresh dairy products for distribution to Butler County citizens. The event was organized and promoted by extension service staff and volunteers. The event was advertised as Dairy Promotion Day. The Butler County Family Resource Center and youth s
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Covid 19 Pandemic created a lot of uncertainty and lack of routine for people, particularly for children in limited-resource communities who rely on schools and community programs to provide educational opportunities and social support. Educators needed to quickly shift to home-based learning opportunities and to find ways to engage youth.The Youth Leadership Development group, a program through the Brighton Center, switched from in-person summer programming to home-delivered educational kit
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
One in four seniors over the age of 65 experience a fall. Malnutrition is a major risk factor for frailty, which is a leading cause of falls. Lack of access to nutritious food in the aging population can lead to a decline in overall health and stability. Those with limited resources may be at an even greater risk as they may choose low-cost foods or eat the same things on a regular basis which does not provide the variety of nutrients that is vital to overall health. And often the fear of
Author: April Tipton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Daycares and pre-schools tend to be a breeding ground for many types of germs. With 12% of Powell County youth living in poverty, the Powell County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant worked with one of the local daycares weekly to address hygiene with preschoolers. By a show of hands, the first day, 18 out of 21 of the children raised their hand indicating they use both soap and water while washing their hands. Those 18 kids also stated they either count to 2
Author: Holly Watters
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Eat Better For LessDuring 2013-2016, 36.6% of adults consumed fast food on a given day. Fast food is a part of the American diet that has been associated with high calorie intake, and poor diet quality.To address this issue, The Boone County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant (SNAP-ED) offered an “Eat Better for Less” seven part series. We started with seven participants, then grew to forty participants throughout the series. The participant’s interests were le
Author: Holly Watters
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Maintaining RelationshipsAs we move through the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to stay connected to people in our communities including past series participants. The Boone County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant (SNAP-ED) reached out to two past series participants weekly just to let them know that their extension service friends are here to help.During the conversations, the Nutrition Assistant learned that some of the participants were without food because of job loss, o
Author: Lisa Musgrove
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The phrase heard around America by parents of school age children. The McCreary County Extension office in Kentucky have been creating Grab N Go Learning Bags for their community. These bags contain educational activities for children and adults where they can learn the skills to cook meals together, garden together, do healthy activities together, craft and play games together. The Agricultural and Natural Resource Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, 4-H Assistant and SNAP Ed Assistant h
Author: Detra Coley
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Livingston County Cooperative Extension office was contacted by the Livingston County Judge to ask if it was feasible to participate in the USDA Farm to Families program. This USDA programs helps farming operations by purchasing fruits and vegetables that would not be sold to viable markets and redistributes them to families that are in need of food. After speaking to the Judge, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent and Expanded Food and Nutrition Program Assistant began t
Author: Detra Coley
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the food pantry in Livingston County does not allow clients to enter the pantry. A process was instated that allowed clients to call the pantry or come to the door and place an order for food. In order to give clients nutrition information and information on staying safe during the pandemic, the Livingston County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant supplied hand washing information and food safety information to the
Author: Brad Stone
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Individuals entering a substance abuse recovery center lack proper nutrition and healthy eating habits. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, substance abuse leads to irregular eating, poor diet quality and overall nutrition deficiencies. Individuals in recovery would greatly benefit from learning basic nutrition and making healthy lifestyle choices. The Lewis County SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Belle Grove Addiction Recovery Care (ARC)
Author: Stacey Stephens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Kids In the KitchenStacey StephensHarrison CountyWith the widespread COVID-19 outbreak shutting down much of Kentucky in early March 2020, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) education assistant within the Harrison County Extension Office had to find new ways to connect with her target audience. March 25, 2020, Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order to help Kentuckians stay healthy. On April 16, 2020, a Facebook Live event brought adults and youth together in the kit
Author: Robin Thompson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it has created in face to face education, new methods to reach clients have been created. KentuckyHealthFacts.org reported 14% of Martin County adult residents have a prevalence of diabetes and 60% prevalence of hypertension. To address this issue, the Martin County Nutrition Education Program partnered with the Martin County Agricultural/Natural Resources Agent to provide “Healthy Seasonings with Fresh Herbs Grab and Go Kits.Twenty-five Grab
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Nutrition Education Program Assistant Success Story #1 Whitney Young Job Corp Beth Maxedon, Nutrition Education Program Assistant 1117 Frankfort Road, Shelbyville, KY 40065 (502)633-4593 1/13/2020 Whitney Young Job Corp in Shelby County is a non-profit organization, dedicated to providing job training services for at-risk & low-income youth from all over the United States and other countries. There are challenges with students from diverse cultures, minorities,
Author: Kacy Wiley
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 shutdown one area of Bourbon County that has been hit hard is the senior citizens that rely on the Bourbon County Senior Center. To reach these individuals, that have nowhere to congregate together, the senior center and the Bourbon County Nutrition Education Program partnered together for outreach to these individuals. Once a month the seniors that are receiving a home delivered meal have received a "program on the go" bag. These bags have focused
Author: Kacy Wiley
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Social media is often used to stay in touch with family and friends. However, during the pandemic, it has become a way to reach clients without the need to congregate. Individuals and families can access tons of information without ever leaving the safety of their homes.Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in person lessons, demonstrations, and public relation events were the preferred method of reaching clients; therefore, the Bourbon County Nutrition Education Program’s Facebook page was not
Author: Clarissa Cheatwood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
A non-profit program in Jefferson County offers services to women that are pregnant and that have children. Many of the women live in areas that do not have access to grocery stores to get fresh fruits and vegetables. Some did not have family members and had been homeless. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant at the Jefferson County Extension Services began offering the Healthy Choices For Everybody program to teach them cooking skills, and how to eat healthy and feed thei
Author: Vanessa Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Menifee County School District provides students of Menifee County with academic enrichment opportunities through a 21st Century Champions Grant Program that was started in 2018 and has served 272 students. The program in partnership with the local community is customized and individualized to meet the specific needs of the school and its community. The grant provides support for students during non-school hours by offering tutoring when needed and other creative learning experiences. Due to
Author: Robin Thompson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2018 County Health Rankings and Roadmap, Child Poverty in Martin County was 44% in comparison to 22% statewide in Kentucky. With 23% of children in Martin County being raised in single parent households, education for parents in budgeting and stretching food dollars, making healthy food choices and food safety practices are extremely important to help combat hunger.To address the issue, the Martin County Nutrition Education Program partnered with Eden and Inez Head Start Parent Grou
Author: Amanda Howard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In March of 2020 people’s everyday lives took a lifestyle hit with coronavirus COVID 19. A life-threatening virus that made its way to the US. People were advised to stay at home to help slow the spread of the COVID-19. University of Kentucky required offices to stop any live programming. As a result, the Magoffin County Extension Office had to close the doors to the general public. With the use of the Magoffin County Brown Bag P
Author: Amanda Howard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 36.6% of adults over 18 are obese and 31.9% have an overweight classification. In addition, 42.7% of adults reported consuming fruit less than one time daily and 17% of adults reported consuming vegetables less than one time daily. In 2018 the Supplemental Nutrition Education Program Assistant Senior started a series called Cooking through the Calendar. Cooking Through the Calendar is a monthly cooking program that focused on the
Author: Amanda Howard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Kentucky Extension Community Assessment for Magoffin County in 2019, thirty-nine percent of the population is considered obese. Magoffin County has 41.3% of the households who are at or below the poverty level. Beginning January 19, 2020, the Supplemental Nutrition Education Program Assistant Senior partnered with the Family and Consumer Science Educator to deliver Weight, the Reality Series program. A program
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In March of 2020 COVID-19 effected the way Cooperative Extension conducted Nutrition Education classes with under- served families in Perry County. Supplemental nutrition assistant program (SNAP-ED) assistant senior in Perry County partnered with Save the Children to conduct a series of 7 Nutrition Education classes using University of Ky Nutrition Education Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum. Perry County having several food deserts, Food security being a problem in Perry County pr
Author: Cindy Maggard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
2020 has been a challenging year. COVID-19 virus has changed the way the world operates. Having in person nutrition classes for the SNAP-Ed Assistant in Knott County had to come to a halt in early 2020. The assistant had to come up with new ways to communicate with clients. Doing zoom classes is one way to reach out and still be in contact with them. Hickory Hill is an all mens rehab facility in the county. Doing zoom with them keeps the interaction with them g
Author: Crystal Beitler
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
One unfortunate side effect of the coronavirus pandemic has been the isolation felt by our senior population. While necessary to protect the elderly from covid-19, isolation can be devastating to mental health. To combat this, the Scott County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) hosted a step challenge to combine physical activity with social distancing.To limit physical contact, NEP partnered with The Scott County Senior Center who were already delivering daily meals to seniors during Healthy At
Author: Crystal Beitler
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Scott County Extension Program Assistant for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP-Ed) identified that clients struggle with accessing healthy food due to financial issues. Extension partnered with Transform Scott County, Habitat for Humanity, and Community Action Council to conduct a series of five classes called, the Self Sufficiency Workshop. Even though four out of five adults that completed the program were employed, they still required assistance to meet b
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the recent COVID-19 pandemic the Lawrence County Expanded Food Nutrition Assistant Senior offered Victory Garden resources to the clients of Lawrence County. Over 360+ participants received seeds to grow their own gardens at home, of that population a sample size of 60 individuals completed the Victory Garden Survey. Participants received lettuce, spinach, carrot, radish, beet, onion, garlic, pumpkin, and a variety of herb seeds. As a result, 11.7% participants were first time
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
NEP Assistant Success Story #3Shelby County's Serenity Center Beth Maxedon, Nutrition Education Program Assistant 1117 Frankfort Road, Shelbyville, KY 40065 (502)633-4593 9/5/2020 On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel corona virus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. The entire country was shut down except for declared essential workers. The impact of the pandemic caused a potential loss of income.The Shelby County's University of
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
NEP Assistant Success Story #4Shelby County's Grab and Go packetsBeth Maxedon, Nutrition Education Program Assistant 1117 Frankfort Road, Shelbyville, KY 40065 (502)633-4593 9/10/2020 On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel corona virus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. The entire country was shut down except for declared essential workers. There was a mandatory order that groups were unable to assemble due to possible public health.The Sh
Author: Laura Milburn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Washington County reports that 29% of its residents have some form of hypertension and report being physically unhealthy at least 5 days a month.To combat these numbers the Washington County Family Consumer Science agent and the SNAP-Ed Program Assistant conducted a Facebook LIVE class utilizing the ‘Healthy Choices for Everybody’ curriculum. Weekly virtual meetings were held over the course of 2 months. This group reached 7 participants, with 16 additional people being r
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
NEP Assistant Success Story #2 Shelby County's Shelbyville Sentinel-NewsBeth Maxedon, Nutrition Education Program Assistant 1117 Frankfort Road, Shelbyville, KY 40065 (502)633-4593 8/27/2020 On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel corona virus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. The entire country was shut down except for declared essential workers. The supply chain of food was interrupted and caused panic in local grocery stores.The Un
Author: Anita Jones
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In Carter County, 71 out of every 1000 children live in Foster Care. The Carter County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant Senior went to the Olive Hill Elementary School and taught Wellness In Kentucky (WIN) to all the all three 4th grade class rooms. While teaching WIN, the students learned healthy eating habits, and a wide variety of physical activities. COVID-19 impacted teaching WIN, as the students finished their year with NTI packets, the NEP Assistant sent home
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
This spring, the Senior SNAP-Ed Assistant worked and combined efforts with the Johnson County Family Resource Centers Garden Club. They supplied seeds, plants, and other garden material and information to over 100 families in Johnson County. About 40% of the participants had already gardened in the past and about 60% were first-time gardeners. Some of the beginner participants built garden boxes, some used pots, and others borrowed plows and made a traditional garden. They took pictures fro
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In these uncertain times with families stressing over losing jobs or huge cutbacks and school starting back, the Senior SNAP-Ed Assistant, along with the 4-H and Ag Assistants pulled together their incentives and purchased and donated items to create 62 Back-to-School Backpack for a giveaway program. We advertised on social media the dates and times that giveaway would be held. We had over 2000 likes and 80 shares on our post. All 62 bags were given out in record time and gone within 30 mi
Author: Bobbie Hancock
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Mercer County Nutrition Education Program partnered with the Mercer County Intermediate School to provide 20 students a container garden. Each student was given plants including: tomato, sweet pepper, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, and onion sets. They received a container filled with soil to grow their garden. The plant types were chosen by the participants in order to make salsa with their produce. Weekly lessons were available for viewing through Google. They w
Author: Clarissa Cheatwood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
A teacher at an all male, tuition-free, independent school in Jefferson County contacted the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service about implementing nutrition education in her third grade classroom. The students came from single parent homes in the city, with little to no access to fruits and healthy snacks to choose from. Some of them ate a lot of salty, high fat snacks after school and were eating a lot of fast food. The students were sent home with letters to the p
Author: Dorisa Johnson-Hickman
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional methods of educating individuals on nutrition and physical activity had to be reinvented.In June of 2020 the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Services Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Community and Restorative Justice-Covington, to deliver the 7 part Healthy Choices for Every Body series via zoom to low-income families in Kenton County. With grants provided by Life Comes with It and The Tide Foundation, we we
Author: Dorisa Johnson-Hickman
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the Covington Independent School district 90% of students receive free and reduce lunch. The Kenton County Cooperative Extension Services Nutrition Education Program Assistant partners with two elementary schools Community Learning Coordinators to help bring the importance of nutrition and physical activity to the students. With more than 300 hundred students in the after school program across the Covington Independent School district, the Nutrition Education Program Assistant worked wit
Author: Clarissa Cheatwood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
A group of women living in a residential, substance use recovery center in Jefferson County had limited access to healthy foods and many had a not eaten balanced meals for a while due to their addictions. Some of these women consumed very little water and fresh fruits and vegetables, and consumed a high amount of sodas, sugary drinks, sugary cereals, high fat and high calorie foods. The center coordinator contacted the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service to request n
Author: Kacy Wiley
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey program of studies is designed to assess the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States. It is part of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.) The report for Kentucky released in 2019 shows that 68.5% adults in the state are either obese or overweight. In addition, Kentuckians do not exercise much. The report says Kentucky ranks No. 1 in the share of adults who say they are physically inactive: 32.3%. &
Author: Cindy Maggard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The SNAP-Ed Assistant in Knott County partners with the school system every year and goes in to the classrooms throughout the county. In doing so the assistant meets lots of kids that has not tried different foods. This past year the assistant went into a kindergarten class where the majority had not tried the food she had prepared that day. Most of the kids looked at in disgust. One little girl in particular seemed intrigued by it. She was shy but I seen her take a
Author: Dorisa Johnson-Hickman
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Reaching Adults through KidsWorking parents have added pressures of time constraints that make it difficult to prepare healthy meals for their kids. To address these needs the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Services Nutrition Program Assistant partnered with the Community Learning Coordinator to provide the seven part Healthy Choices for Every Body series at a local elementary school. While the students were getting their own nutrition lesson, the parents were learning the importance o
Author: Margie Hernandez
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Choosing More Fruits and Vegetables In Pulaski County, only 7.4% of adults consumed five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day between 2013-2015. (Building Strong Families in Pulaski County 2018). Consuming enough fruits and vegetables is part of an overall healthy diet. This helps reduce the risk of many chronic diseases including; cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity. In order to address the importance of fruits and vegetables in our diet, a
Author: Holly Watters
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Vegetable SurpriseThe 2015-2020 Dietary guidelines for Americans recommend that Americans consume more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall dietary pattern to reduce the risk for diet related chronic disease such as cardio vascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and obesity.To address this issue, The Boone County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant (SNAP-ED) offered a “Cooking with Families” 5 part series. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic shut-down, the las
Author: Judy McGuire
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Making Fruit Part of Our Daily MealsBased on the information gathered from the entry food recall given to clients at the beginning of nutrition classes, only 22% meet the recommended daily amount of fruit consumption each day. Some said they just don’t think about eating fruit every day or it’s too expensive. After teaching several classes on MyPlate and the importance of eating fr
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps for 2019, Kenton County recorded 324 deaths by drug overdose between 2015 & 2017. One area people often neglect when they are engaged in substance use disorders is nutrition. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant from the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service was invited to teach classes at the Healthy Newborn House, which is a part of Transitions, Inc.  
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The property manager of Wynnbrook Pines Apartments contacted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant from the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service to offer a basic nutrition/cooking class for her residents. The property manager had partnered with the NEP Assistant before, so she knew the benefits her residents could receive from the program and wanted to offer other residents a chance to participate in the program. J
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps for Kentucky, Kenton County had 324 drug overdose deaths from 2015-2017. Due to the large number of people suffering from substance use disorders in the area, the Mary Gandy Travis Residential Treatment Center (RTC) opened its doors in December of 2018, in Erlanger, Kentucky. RTC is a 180-bed, short-term residential treatment center for men and women, where clients receive individual, group, and family education and therapy as well
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The principal of Arnett Elementary School contacted the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant from the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service about offering a nutrition program for the elementary students at the school. They had partnered together before, so the principal understood the value of the program for the students. Over 90% of the students at Arnett are eligible for free breakfast and lunch. The NEP Assistant contacted the interested teachers to set up the series.
Author: Relissa Torian
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In August 2020, the Nutrition Education Program SNAP-Ed Assistant delivered 100 Cookbooks, "Using Recipes from the Emergency Food Assistance Program," to Micah Mission's food pantry. Learning of the Mission's safe procedures of providing foods to limited resource families during COVID-19, the Assistant formed a partnership with the Mission.Six weeks into the partnership the SNAP-Ed Assistant has printed and shared 1,250 recipes, 300 Seasoned Newsletters, and 200 Healthy at Home
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The convenience of fast food has cut down on family meal time at home adding to the increase adults being overweight in Bell County.According to Kentuckyhealthfact.org in 2018 the population in Bell County was 26,569 and the prevalence of overweight adults was at 79%. The Bell County Supplemental Nutrition Program Assistance Assistant through the University of Kentucky SNAP-Ed Program partnered with Just Family Adult Day Care to implement the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum and ed
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Bell County, traditional methods of educating individuals on nutrition and physical activity were re-invented.In March of 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic forced new regulations of individuals and business making families increase their time at home and away from others. We felt it was very important to find new ways to serve our community and continue to reach our clientele.Bell County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Assistant teamed with the F
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused a significant increased demand for emergency food boxes as more families face layoffs and cutbacks here in Bell County.Bell County’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant through the University of Kentucky partnered with Lighthouse Mission and Cooperative Christian Ministry food banks to get Nutrition information and healthy recipes in food boxes for families in the community. Sharing information and recipes from our Healthy Choices for Every
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting Bell County the health and safety concerns of our elderly and older adults has increased. Bell County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant through the University of Kentucky partnered with the Director of the Bell County Senior Citizens Center to get information on the Coronavirus, handwashing and nutrition along with a hot meal to their seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A drive thru meal pick-up was set up for the seniors able to
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Juggling parenting, work, and school can be challenging. In addition to those challenge, ten students at the Center for Employment Training gave up their lunch break once a week to invest in themselves. By participating in a nutrition series led by the Campbell County nutrition education assistant, they enjoyed a multi-faceted approach to learning. Participants were able to sample a healthy recipe each week to demonstrate that nutritious food can be delicious and easy. Recipes were chosen a
Author: Brad Stone
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
When it comes to mealtime, one of the most everyday frustration for individuals and parents, is often related to, “what to cook for dinner.” Having the same thing on the menu over and over gets monotonous and can also make it difficult to get the proper nutrients our body needs. In order to have a well-balanced diet, there must be variety in what is prepared during meals. This inspired the Lewis County SNAP-Ed Program assistant to present the community with a variet
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Perry County Supplemental Nutrition Assistants Program Education (SNAP-ED) Assistant Senior and a local Health Care Recovery Center partnered to have a series of 7 nutrition education classes understanding the collation between nutrition and recovery. Using University of Ky Nutrition Education curriculum Healthy Choices for Every Body focusing on Food Safety and Food Security. Classes were started in Person when COVID-19 happened classes were move to virtual. In the process of moving from in
Author: Relissa Torian
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Wally Cat at the MarketThe Nutrition Education Program SNAP-Ed Assistant adventures outdoors. Following the COVID-19 guidelines, the Farmer’s Market was a great location for the Assistant and Wally Cat. Together the duo shared fun motivating activities and healthy eating practices along with fresh displays of whole fruits and vegetables. The displays were used as an identifying game for the youth and some adults. The nutritional message was shared through 116 copies of recipe cards,
Author: Sherry Becknell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Owsley County Expanded Food Nutrition Program Assistant partnered with the Owsley County Food Bank during the 2020 pandemic. During this time a total of six volunteers was used to place NEP material inside the food boxes. The assistant made weekly trips to the food bank delivering materials and information. Topics covered ranged from budgeting, proper hand washing, meal planning and food safety, etc. A total of six hundred and eighty lessons was placed in food boxes. Volunteers are a hu
Author: Sherry Becknell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During this pandemic the world that we were accustomed to changed overnight. People found themselves in a situation they had little to no control over: schools shutting down, kids being home schooled, businesses across the world shutting down, jobs lost, financial hardship for families, low food supplies and struggles with the constant change taking place. The Owsley County Extension Office and the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program assistant partnered with: Booneville Shopwis
Author: Sherry Becknell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Saying that the year 2020 has been a challenging year is an understatement. When personal contact is the only way you’ve done a job, it can seem impossible to do that same job without having face to face contact. Your mind starts turning in a thousand different directions trying to find” THE” way that works to get your information to where it needs to be. Technology has come a long way in the world we live in today, but being comfortable in using that same technology is very ch
Author: Sherry Becknell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Extension To Go BagsThe Owsley County Extension Service and the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant prepared Extension To Go Bags for the citizens of Owsley County during a changing and difficult time. Serving the citizens of Owsley County and getting information out to the people was very challenging. Through the Extension To Go Bags the assistant provided information to a total of four hundred people. The bags were prepared weekly and the information placed inside consiste
Author: Tracey Turner
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Poor diet quality among Americans is the leading cause of disease and illness according to the Centers for Disease Control. Research shows the in rural areas and low income regions this problem is more prominent. In these areas, the majority of children do not meet the daily recommendation for fruit and vegetable consumption. Through the combined partnership of the local school system and the Owsley County Extension Service, the SNAP-Ed assistant teaches the Professor Po
Author: Tracey Turner
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the 2019-2020 program year, everyone has had to deal with changes. Unfortunately with the covid-19 pandemic, a lot of those changes wasn’t for the better. In collaboration with the local food bank and the Owsley County Extension Service a series of lessons are taught with hopes of improving nutrition knowledge as well as food safety. Most participants that attend the program are well below the state poverty rate, and along with the pandemic, it only added to
Author: Tracey Turner
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Through a collaboration between the Owsley County Extension Service and the Owsley County School system, a nutrition curriculum is taught to students in grades Kindergarten through 6th grade. All students that attend Owsley County Schools qualify for free or reduced lunch. The curriculum is Professor Popcorn, it covers nutrition topics as well as food safety, and physical activity is also covered. Lessons with 6th grade students begin to explore the benefits of different vitami
Author: Tracey Turner
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Centers for Disease Control, six out of ten Americans have some type of chronic disease with four out of ten having at least two types of chronic diseases. With a partnership between the Owsley County Extension Service and the local community commodity distribution, nutrition lessons are taught to help improve overall knowledge of nutrition benefits of healthy eating for senior citizens, as well as physical activity. Lessons are taught to participants who pick up comm
Author: Viola Wood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Muhlenberg by the NumbersThe Muhlenberg County Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education by helping individuals, families, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Muhlenberg County, KY is a county in the Western Kentucky Coalfield. The population of the county is 30,816. The adult poverty rate is 19.6%, and the child poverty rate is 35%. The Muhlenberg County SNAP-Ed paraprofessional taught sixty six limited resource fam
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that only 12.2% of adults in Kentucky meet the recommendation of daily intake of fruits and only 9.3% meet recommended vegetable intake. The Perry County Cooperative Extension Assistant Senior for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP-ED collaborated with a local business to provide nutrition education to employees. A series of lessons were delivered using Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum, an adult curriculum deve
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) and Justice.gov reported that Kentucky ranked 3rd in the Nation for drug usage with Eastern Kentucky counties ranking among the highest in the state. With knowledge of the connection between recovery and nutrition, the Perry County Cooperative Extension Assistant Senior for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-ED) partnered with a local recovery center for men to implement a series of nutrition education classes using Healthy Choices fo
Author: Jessica Reed
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to drugabuse.gov, in 2018 there were 989 deaths that involved opioids in Kentucky. Kentucky has above-average written prescriptions for opioids by provides at a rate of 79.5 per every 100 prescriptions written in 2018. The same year across the United States the rate was at 51.4 per 100 prescriptions written. Opioids have affected many families across Kentucky in some form or another. Opioid users can lose interest in activities, have a change in eating habits, miss work or school, beco
Author: Juanita Herron
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Marion County Cooperative Extension Office Expanded Food and Nutrition Program recently partnered with one of the local elementary schools, when the school had concerns with how sick some of the children were and how rapidly the numbers of illnesses were growing. The school wanted a program that focused on proper handwashing techniques and they wanted their students to be more aware of how important proper handwashing and hygiene practices were on the prevention of the spread of germs. Eac
Author: Juanita Herron
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Marion County Cooperative Extension Office Expanded Food and Nutrition Program recently partnered with the local detention center to offer a Healthy eating class to the inmates. The detention center was trying to give the inmates that were on their way to be released, education on healthy cooking for themselves and their families. Each class was a 7 week session that consisted of 10 men. Everyone was eager to listen to the healthy cooking lesson and ended each session with a food demonstra
Author: Whitney Paige Alexander
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the state of Kentucky during the Covid-19 pandemic University of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program worked diligently to reach clients virtually to keep staff and clientele safe. Logan County’s unemployment jumped from February 2020 at 4.1 percent to 15. 8 percent in April 2020. Logan County had an increase of sixteen percent in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Food Benefits. During the pandemic there have been a lot of uncertainties, hardships, and drastic change in everyday
Author: Whitney Paige Alexander
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Barren River District Health Department 2016-2018 data Kentucky has an obesity rate of 35% and Logan County’s obesity rate is 38%. The Logan County Family Consumer Sciences Extension Agent and the Logan County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) Assistant partnered to offer a program to address factors contributing to local obesity rates in Logan County. The program was held at the Logan County Wellness Center and focused on educating limited resource
Author: Whitney Paige Alexander
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID19 pandemic has negatively affected many families and individuals throughout the nation. Many families have been faced with challenges such as unexpected unemployment, layoffs or reduced pay, virtual learning from home for students, and lack of access to youth programs and childcare. Because of these challenges and reduced income many families have relied on federal, state and local programs for financial assistance and food resulting in an increased utilization of Supplemental Nutritio
Author: Whitney Paige Alexander
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the Covid 19 pandemic Logan County’s unemployment rate increased from 4% in February 2020 to 15.8% in April 2020. Logan County Nutrition Education Program Assistant held online classes via Facebook Live to teach the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum to limited resource clients. Each week the Logan County Nutrition Education Program Assistant would host a Facebook Live video with a different topic and resources including food demonstration videos, healthy budget friendly reci
Author: Juanita Herron
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Marion County Cooperative Extension Office was hit with the news in March that the world was facing a health pandemic with COVID-19 and as a result, our local Marion County schools and businesses were to be shut down for an un-determined amount of time. Our local Extension office was part of the essential work force that was able to keep working, has we were keeping the county informed with information on how to continue to stay healthy at home. Expanded Food and Nutrition Program partnere
Author: Juanita Herron
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Marion County Cooperative Extension Office Expanded Food and Nutrition Program recently partnered with the local detention center to offer a Healthy eating class to the inmates. The detention center was trying to give the inmates that were on their way to be released, education on healthy cooking for themselves and their families. Each class was a 7 week session that consisted of 10 men. Everyone was eager to listen to the healthy cooking lesson and ended each session with a food demonstra
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID 19 pandemic, many individuals in Warren County faced food insecurity. Feeding America Kentucky’s Hartland stated that Kentucky County had a 40% increase in food insecurity. In an effort to help fight hunger, the Warren County SNAP Education Assistant collaborated with the Warren County Public Library to offer seeds for their seed catalog. This campaign was inspired to help people grow their own food and cut down on cost at the grocery store. The Warren County Snap Educatio
Author: Sarah Spears
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
An essential goal of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program is to equip youth of all ages with nutritional knowledge. Doing so ensures that they grow to make healthy decisions later on as adults. Throughout almost the entire year, schools and other community entities have had to figure out innovative ways to serve youth throughout the county, while also adhering to Covid-19 guidelines.This summer, the Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office Supplemental Nutrition Assistan
Author: Benita Wade
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Christian County SNAP-Ed assistant contributed to her county in many ways. Over 8,200 helpful handouts about the virus, handwashing, children’s activities, nutritional information and recipes were passed out at food distribution centers, school lunch programs, grocery stores, and the local Veteran’s center. This information was also shared with clients via emails and mailings. The assistant also kept up h
Author: April Tipton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Powell County SNAP-Ed assistant partnered with the local senior center to teach their seniors about nutrition by teaching Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum. Seniors learned how to read their recipes, measure foods, food safety, menu planning, portion control and how to make a grocery list before heading out to the grocery store. The seniors helped with the demonstrations of the recipes by measuring properly, using food safety and handing out portioned samples. Eleven senior
Author: Relissa Torian
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Food SafetyFood safety, one of the seven required lessons of Healthy Choices for Every Body, a University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, through the Nutrition Education Program Adult Curriculum, helped Trigg County’s 92% adult graduates of limited resource families adopt new healthy lifestyles. Among those changes was an increase in food safety. Trigg County SNAP-Ed Assistant reported 92% adult graduates of the Nutrition Education Program showed improvement in food safety.
Author: Lisa Lamb
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Garrard County KY enrolls 1,135 students in our County school system. In late March of this year as we all know everything stopped even children going to school in person. Along with myself the FSC Agent we were able to figure out away to continue to reach out to the children in our county. We developed Fun Newsletters, which included coloring sheets for the younger kids, word search puzzles for the older kids and the parents, and always a healthy kid friendly recipe. We were able to continue to
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Kids Count Data Center, in 2018 76% of children in Breathitt County were living below 200% of the poverty level. Growing one’s own food is a way to reduce grocery costs. One way to address the child poverty level is by teaching the importance of growing a garden at home.Breathitt County SNAP-Ed Assistant, in partnership with the Breathitt County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, created a Gardening Grab and Go Bag. Participants were given handouts on how to prepare a gar
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2020 data from the Feeding America website, Breathitt County’s food insecurity rate is 24.6%. One way to address this issue is by, learning how to meal plan and learning how to make smarter buys at the store.Breathitt County SNAP-Ed Assistant, in partnership with Kentucky River Community Care, taught adults the Healthy Choices for Everybody Curriculum. As a part of these classes, participants learned the importance of meal planning, eating healthy, and how to eat healthier on
Author: Emma Robinson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Volunteers of America Freedom HouseThe Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (KSUCEP) continues to provide low-income families in Kentucky with nutrition education to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related health challenges. As p
Author: Connie Downey
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Kentucky Health Facts (kentuckyhealthfacts.org) the overweight rate is 71% and the lack of physical activity rate is 45% in Clay County. Being overweight and not being physical active have been linked to many health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. In order to address this problem, Clay County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) assistant partnered with Save the Children
Author: Connie Downey
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
COVID-19 changed almost everything, with strict guidelines and social distancing. Clay County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) assistant had to figure out ways to stay in touch with the target audience throughout the county.Daily post about nutrition, budgeting, meal planning, food safety, cooking demonstration videos and recipes have been posted. Utilizing the state provided materials for the NEP Facebook page, the Clay County SNAP-Ed a
Author: Connie Downey
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Kentucky Health Facts (kentuckyhelathfacts.org), the obesity rate in Clay County is 38%. Health risks of being obese include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. In order to help address this, Clay County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) assistant partnered with Save the Children Burning Springs After School program and Goose Rock After School program to provide nutritional education and info
Author: Connie Downey
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Clay County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) assistant collaborated with the Family Consumer Science agent, the Agricultural agent, and the 4-H agent to put together gardening bags for the Save the Children Big Creek Early Steps group.The 25 gardening bags included information on gardening, gardening implements, seeds and recipes. The families were appreciative of the gardening bags and the children were engaged in learning about how foo
Author: Danielle Fairchild
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Lawrence County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) assistant has developed a partnership with the local Housing Authority in Lawrence County to establish 11 raised bed gardens.Due to the COVID pandemic, a large number of the tenants at the Housing Authority were unable to be in public because of their age and other health concerns. With this knowledge in mind, the SNAP-Ed assistant decided to personally plant the vegetable plants in the raised bed gardens this year. This was
Author: Danielle Fairchild
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
My success as a Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program Assistant (SNAP-Ed) during Covid-19 is the ability to be able to still get Nutrition Education information to the seniors through their lunch program. The Lawrence County Senior Citizens Center has free drive-by hot meals available for any person 60 years of age or older Monday through Friday at the local center. The SNAP-Ed assistant has provided recipes, newsletters, and informational sheets weekly to be distributed to the seniors. The S
Author: Jhamicah Harbut
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Teaching adolescence the importance of learning basic life skills such as eating healthy and learning basic cooking techniques helps develop and create positive food choice behavior among our future leaders. Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (KSUCEP) provides low-income families and youth in Kentucky with hands-on nutrition education to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related health challenges. Through the federal funded grant Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Prog
Author: Lakesha Reams
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
A weekly school in Jefferson County (TAPP: Teenage Parenting Program) participated in the University of Kentucky’s Nutrition Education Program using the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum. The lesson that made the difference was called Know the Limits. The pregnant teens were eating a lot of processed foods, and drinking lots of soda, and were not getting the nutrients that were needed for their body. Know the Limits is about how we need to limit the intake of calories per day from a
Author: Lakesha Reams
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
A recovery program for adults in Jefferson County participated in the University of Kentucky’s Nutrition Education Program using the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum. The “Keep Food Safe” lesson made a difference for these participants physically and at home. The participants did an icebreaker called “Food Safety Scenarios” where the assistant divided participants into pairs or groups, distributed a scenario to each group, and told the participants, as they
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the 2020 Kentucky Annual Economic Report, an estimated 16.9 percent of Kentucky households rank at or below poverty. Added to this statistic, an overwhelmingly 14.7% experienced food insecurity. This correlates to Research by University of Kentucky economist James Ziliak stating “rates of food insecurity have remained persistently high following the Great Recession for Americans over 60”. The unprecedented Covid-19 Global Pandemic limited Butler County’s food
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Covid-19 presented many challenges for Kentuckians and Butler County families. In Early March 2020, Butler County schools were dismissed for home instruction. Families faced challenges such as food insecurity, lack of physical activity, poor eating habits, and shopping limitations. The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant, along with the Butler County Extension FCS, 4H, and Ag Agents tackled this challenge to educate the public in various ways.The Butler County NEP ass
Author: Lora Gullett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The goal of SNAP-Ed Nutrition is alleviate food insecurity by offering nutrition, budgeting, and healthy lifestyle education to at risk population which includes both youths and adults. COVID 19 increased the impact of food insecurity in American due to youths not being in school, adults and especially seniors not being able to go to senior centers for meals, and a decrease of supplies in stores, not to mention the closing of many business leading to unemployment and failure to obtain
Author: Benita Wade
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Christian County SNAP-Ed assistant was concerned about clients in a residential recovery center and their continuation of the curriculum Healthy Choices for Every Body during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistency is important for a good outcome during recovery. To help prepare clients for a healthy life, the assistant provided zoom classes to deliver the Healthy Choices program. The assistant wanted to maintain the programming and keep things as normal as
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2020 data the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, regular physical activity can help children control weight and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure.Breathitt County SNAP-Ed Assistant, in partnership with the Breathitt County Public School System taught the LEAP (Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary) Curriculum. During one visit with a Kindergarten class, the book, I.Q Gets Fit, was read to 24 students.A
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to data from 2011-2014, the Center for Diseases and Control Prevention website, 63% of youth and 49% of adults drank a sugar-sweetened beverage a day. Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, cavities, and type 2 diabetes.Breathitt County SNAP-Ed Assistant, in partnership with Emmanuel Fellowship Church, taught the LEAP (Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary) Curriculum. During one visit with a youth group, the book, Rodeo Ron and His Milkshake Cows
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
LaRue County Kentucky has a population of 14,398. KentuckyHealthFacts.org list an obesity rate of 34.7 percent with 15.3 percent being at or below poverty level.13.8 percent are food insecure according to data from Feeding America.LaRue County Cooperative Extension Service, LaRue County Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) Assistant and LaRue County Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent partnered with Kentucky Dairy Development Council in hosting a Dairy Prod
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
LaRue County Kentucky has an obesity rate of 34.7 percent resulting in a sedentary lifestyle rate of 28.9 percent according to Kentuckyhealthfacts.orgLaRue County Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) Assistant conducted a series of nine classes with twelve LaRue County High School Functionally Mentally Disabled Students. The goal with them was improving their overall knowledge of nutrition, increasing physical activity and importance hygiene and handwashing . P
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
LaRue County Kentucky has an obesity rate of 34.7 percent with 16.3 percent being at or below poverty level according to Kentuckyhealthfacts.org with data from Feeding America showing that13.8 percent that are food insecure.LaRue County Farmers Market operated weekly for 10 weeks. LaRue County Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Program ( EFNEP) Assistant distributed five Chopped Challenge Bags each week during the Farmers Market.Each bag included Kentucky Proud Plate it Up
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Shepherds Pie Food Pantry in Magnolia Kentucky serves an average of 275 families equaling 963 people per week in LaRue and surrounding counties.The number of families served has increased by more than 100 percent with Covid-19.LaRue County Kentucky has an obesity rate of 34.7 percent with 16.3 percent being at or below poverty level according to data from Kentuckyhealthfacts.org.Feeding America states that 13.8 percent are food insecure.The LaRue County Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrit
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Kentucky Behavioral Health Barometer states that in 2017 a single-day count enrollment in substance abuse treatment was 29,813 individuals. One such treatment center in Butler County formed in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kentucky Christian Recovery opened their doors in June 2020. One approach the center utilizes is a focus on health and wellness skills, as well as social, life and financial skills. The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered wi
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Kentucky County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, Butler County ranks 69 in social economic factors which is in direct correlation to being ranked 68 in health factors. Thus, making Butler County susceptible to adults being at risk for an unhealthy lifestyle which coincides with unemployment. The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Three Corners Employment to illicit change in at risk clientele.Three Corners Employment’s motto is, “
Author: Laykin Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In March our state, as well as our country faced a difficult time: COVID-19. As the virus spread rapidly across the country, we had to adopt many changes and new practices in order to remain safe. With spring just around the corner, we were sent home to quarantine. Many families faced times of struggle due to unemployment and school closures. While facing unprecedented times this was the perfect opportunity to try virtual learning.With assistance from the media and communications team, county sp
Author: Andrea Munoz
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
No doubt, SNAP-Ed nutrition educators have had some challenges during this year of COVID19. Many of the partners SNAP-Ed does programs with having people with underlying health conditions and had to close. However, Anchor Ministries is a faith-based organization that works with women in rehab and their situation wouldn’t allow them to leave. Although in-person classes weren’t permitted, collaboration with this partner, thanks to the University efforts, was possible as SNAP-Ed n
Author: Lisa Musgrove
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The SNAP-Ed Program Assistant in McCreary County scheduled monthly meetings with seniors at The McCreary County Senior Citizens Center. The program assistant used The Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum. Participants met for 60 minutes. Meeting and learning about food safety, budgeting, meal planning, how to read nutrition labels and how to prepare healthy recipes. 95% of participants showed improvement in one or more diet quality indicators; like eating fruits, vegetables, red and o
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s only 1 and 10 adults, consume the daily recommend amount of fruit and vegetables. In Kentucky, only 8 percent of adults eat enough fruits and 6 percent of adults eat enough vegetables. In an effort to improve the quality of life for residents in Warren County the SNAP Education Assistant held many virtual workshops on the following topics Meal Planning, How to Read Food Labels, Understanding MyPlate, Food Safety and
Author: Rachel Price
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Nutrition in the Virtual World due to COVID-19According to World Health Organization over 33 million COVID-19 cases have been confirmed. COVID-19 has took a significant toll on people all across the world. It also took a toll on in-person teaching and other face-to-face learning. Although SNAP-Ed nutrition couldn’t provide that in-person interaction, nutrition classes offered something totally new and different to help those in need. Rowan County SNAP-Ed Program Assistant started a Virtual
Author: Dianne Hayward
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Agriculture, and Natural Resources agent, Family and Consumer Science agent .and Nutrition Education Program Assistant Combined forces to provide a very comprehensive Family oriented Take Out Bag program for our community families during a time of great confusion and depression.We felt like our community needed so sense of normalcy with so many other things to deal with like no school, some had no work,which also meant economic hardship.The agents and assistants pooled their resources and
Author: Chandra DeRamus
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Chandra DeRamusKentucky State University Cooperative ExtensionFCS Agent, Hardin CountySuccess Story: September 30, 2020 Success Story: “The Paradigm Shift from Traditional Cooperative Extension Programs to Virtual Video Programs at Kentucky State University”The year of 2020 has brought about new ways of programming for Cooperative Extension as a whole. Starting in March of this year, the world was impacted by the corona virus pandemic. The corona virus was later refe
Author: William Crawford
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Most Americans have heard the phrase “to infinity and beyond”. It was confidently uttered by Buzz Lightyear in the first installment of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story franchise that has spawned three sequels spanning 25 years. Well, infinity represents something without bounds and nothing really lasts that long.Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen in Elizabethtown Kentucky hopes their new commercial side-by-side freezer will have a long and productive life span nonetheless.
Author: Stacey Stephens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Per the State of Childhood Obesity in 2017 and 2018, 20.8% of Kentucky youth between the ages of 10 and 17 are obese. Many contributing factors play a part in the aforementioned obesity statistics, but the two biggest culprits are: increased screen time, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, and choosing unhealthy grab and go snacks. The Harrison County Cynthiana Public Library and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Program, through the University of Kentucky Harri
Author: Joy Rose
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The SNAP Ed Nutrition Assistant was concerned about attracting clients to the virtual nutrition lessons made necessary by the COVID 19 pandemic. Mindful of the increase in food insecurity brought on by the pandemic (an increase of 24 percent in the summer 0f 2020 as compared to the 2018 statistics according to the Feeding America Organization –research@feedingamerica.org) putting food in to the hands of more Wolfe residents was also an aspiration. Fortunately, while atten
Author: Teresa King
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Food insecurity has been an ongoing problem throughout Kentucky. Meade County’s food insecurity rate is 12.6% according to Feeding America’s Meal Gap. Some Meade residents do not have the funds or accessibility to purchase healthy food choices. The obesity rate in Meade County is 36%. (countyhealthrankings.org)To help with the local food insecurity, Meade County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland and other local food pa
Author: Joy Rose
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
A group meeting that began over a year ago was named “Ways to Eat Well Wednesday”. The name was used because Wednesday was the day participants could also pick up their commodity box. The group was comprised of senior citizens and their guest as they took it upon themselves to recruit attendees to “help me out”. The group was established by providing the convenience of picking up the boxes without having to wait in line. The NEP assistant put toge
Author: Joy Rose
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The SNAP-Ed assistant was exploring ways to utilize funding for raised garden beds and also maintain the social distancing of 6 feet between participants. Thinking it would take more activities than just planting in the raised garden to provide participants something to do, and occupy them while they waited for their turn to plant in the raised beds.; once again good partnering and combining resources solved the problems. The two SNAP-Ed assistants combined their shares of the funding
Author: Karen Grant
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Madison County Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant has form a new partnership with the Berea Food Bank. The Director of the Food Bank has taken over the reins and ran with the program by expanding his hours of operation for families and has moved to a bigger building. As Berea is an industrial town with many factories working here.When the Covid pandemic forced the closing of local industry and business in Berea many people were laid off or t
Author: Karen Grant
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Poor diet quality is associated with heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. According to a 2018 Center for Disease Control State Indicator Report on fruits and vegetables, only 9% of adults meet the daily required intake of vegetables and 12% meet daily intake of fruit. In collaboration with the Keys to Great Parenting Program in Madison County the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught Healthy Choices for Everybody Curriculum to the parenting class. Lessons in
Author: Joy Rose
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to County Health Demographics at https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/kentucky/2019/rankings/wolfe/county/outcomes/overall/snapshot, the physical inactivity rate in Wolfe County for 2019 was 35%. To have a partner who promoted physical activity involved with our nutrition program would address 2 of our county’s needs. When learning of a line dancing instructor who planned to start beginning classes, the NEP assistant made a proposal. The line dancing could b
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In August of 2020 the Fayette County Extension Office and the Nutrition Education Program Assistant were approached by the Goodwill RISE (Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day) program, a paid job-readiness training that paves the way back to employment for individuals with a criminal history. It was requested that the two community partners provide nutrition education to the workers enrolled in RISE as part of their reintegration lessons. Over the course of the lessons via virtual in
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education Assistant from Fayette County has been working for many years with the women from the HOPE Center, a residential drug rehabilitation center in Lexington Kentucky. Proper nutrition is key to the substance abuse healing process. It can help restore physical and mental health and improve the chance of recovery, furthermore, nutrient deficiencies can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low energy, all of which can trigger a relapse. Wo
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the Fall and Winter of 2019 the Fayette County Snap Education Assistant partnered with Fayette County 4H to provide nutrition education lessons to 27 5th grade students at Julius Marks Elementary School. Over a period of 8 classes using the Teen Cuisine curriculum they taught the participants how to choose and prepare healthy meals, how to make sure their food is prepared safely, and shown new ideas for how to increase their physical activity.In order to ensure that their outreach goals w
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion only 21 percent of American youth meet the current Physical Activity Guidelines of 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. This is no shock given that the average child spends 6 or more hours per day using electronic devices. Studies have shown this can lead to an inability to focus, insomnia and a drop in school performance. To address this, issue the Fayette County Extension Office partnered with Beaumont Middle Schoo
Author: Karen Grant
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Madison Middle School reached out to the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) assistant with the hopes of tailoring a nutrition education program for interested students. To help middle school students interested in cooking be more productive and safer in the kitchen, an afterschool cooking club was formed. The cooking club consisted of 11 students who participated in a series of seven nutrition lessons.A curriculum titled Teen Cu
Author: Stephanie Caldwell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With family lifestyles getting busier and COVID-19 closing many places and parks, it has put a strain on many families. According to Harvard Graduate School of Education, "studies show gardens support and encourage healthful eating as a key component of children's physical wellbeing, which can aid their academic and social success, too." Through the efforts of the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service, families in McCracken County started their own vegetable gar
Author: Stephanie Caldwell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Kentucky is the third most obese state for children in the country, with approximately 21% of youth overweight, according to the CDC. The SNAP-Ed Assistant at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service implemented her resources to educate youth in the area about the importance of decisions affecting their health. She reached out to the Family Resource Youth Services Coordinator at Morgan Elementary School to start an educational after school program with the school’s student ambass
Author: Stephanie Caldwell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Over the course of seven weeks, with a total of 15 hours, the SNAP-Ed Assistant at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Heath Middle School’s 21st Century students and parents. These families were chosen by the 21st century director to participate. This program, titled “Heath Dinner Club” was a successful program in which families cooked together and were educated on safe cooking practices. Lesson plans were implemented from the “Healthy Choic
Author: Stephanie Caldwell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With Covid-19 shutting down in person classes in March of 2020, The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed assistant decided continuing her partnership with the McCracken County Drug Courts meant that face to face, n person meetings would no longer be safe. A quick switch to a virtual platform was needed to be able to continue providing education to Drug Court participants. Researched-based information from the “Healthy Choices for Everybody” curriculum was used on ho
Author: Joni Phelps
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2019 data from the County Health Ranking website, Caldwell County is ranked number 43 out of 120 counties. The Caldwell County SNAP-ED Senior paraprofessional taught 50 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. 91.8% of SNAP-ED families made a positive change.34% of SNAP-ED families reported eating more vegetables each day, eating more fruit each day, eating red and orange vegetables each day, e
Author: Joni Phelps
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Caldwell County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.2% in February 2020 to 14.6% in April 2020. Caldwell County SNAP-ED Senior paraprofessional held online classes via Facebook Live to teach the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum to limited resource clients. Each week the Caldwell County Nutrition Education Program Senior Assistant hosted a Facebook Live video with a different topic and resources including food demonstration videos, healthy budget frie
Author: Joni Phelps
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the middle of March 2020, many businesses, restaurants, and schools in Kentucky closed to in-person traffic because of a global pandemic. Families and community members were encouraged to stay home except for essential business and items. Families were suddenly working from home, keeping up with non-traditional school instruction for their children, maintaining social distancing when in public, trying to avoid the public, and running a household all at the same time. The str
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of being an obese adult, therefore developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. In Kentucky, 20.8% of youth ages 10-17 have obesity. By participating in nutrition education and exposing children to nutritious foods, they will make their own decisions about what to consume, therefore giving them a better likelihood to decrease their chances of obesity. Eighteen Carlisle County Elementary 4th grade students
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Food Insecurity is an issue that faces many households in Kentucky. In Daviess County, for example, there are 13,540 people who would be labeled as Food Insecure. According to the 2017 Feeding America report, Food insecure households are not necessarily food insecure all the time. Food insecurity may reflect a household’s need to make trade-offs between important basic needs, such as housing or medical bills, and purchasing nutritionally adequate foods. One important way
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
When COVID-19 hit, and all classes came to a halt, and the unemployment rate jumped from 4.8% to 14.9%, the Daviess County Nutrition Education Program Assistant started thinking about ways to reach those SNAP clientele who would normally attend Healthy Choices classes. Daviess County NEP started contacting area agencies for outreach opportunities. Pleasant Valley Community Church (PVCC) teamed up with the Daviess County Nutrition Program for that community outreach. &nbs
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The road to recovery is one paved with hard work and determination. Along the road, many in the recovery process encounter roadblocks and obstacles. Nutrition can be a roadblock to those who don’t even know how to begin to eat healthy, or even making their food dollars stretch to the end of the month. This is why Owensboro Regional Recovery has partnered with the Daviess County Nutrition Education Program to make the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum part of thei
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Office has remained closed to the public, which meant they could not have any of their usual in-person nutrition and cooking classes. Information still needed to be shared with the residents of Daviess County, so it was time to think out of the box! Following several other counties across the state of Kentucky, the Daviess County SNAP-Ed Nutr
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program improves low-income individuals' and families' health by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. Eating nutritious foods will make a difference in a person's health and how we feel in general. Healthy foods and beverages can increase energy levels, improve digestion, and prevention of chronic diseases. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides a monthly food package tailored for qualifying families and seniors to help stret
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges. It brought changes in how families interact, how businesses operate, how students attended classes, and how basic needs were obtained. The global pandemic did not change what we do at the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. It only challenged us to find new ways to reach our clientele. The Hickman County Extension Staff wanted a way to continue the high-quality educational programs to continue through the worldwide pand
Author: Bethony Morris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Bethony Morris Hancock/Daviess EFNEPSuccess Story 2019/2020Lend a Helping HandWhen coronavirus began to shut down businesses in Kentucky, we all began to feel the effects of it. Hancock County Cooperative Extension, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) took this opportunity to team up, more than usual, with the local food pantry, churches, library, and the family resource center.The churches in Hancock County have always been a big help in the community. However with
Author: Bethony Morris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Bethony Morris Hancock/Daviess County EFNEPSuccess Story 2019/2020Hancock County Nutrition Education Program, Facebook PageWhen coronavirus started and all Hancock County Cooperative Extension office staff were told they should start working remotely, the nutrition program at Hancock County wanted to make sure we were reaching the community. The best way to do that was by starting a Facebook page. Hancock County Cooperative Extension, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) w
Author: Bethony Morris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Bethony Morris Hancock/Daviess EFNEP Success Story Eating More Fruits Hancock County family resource and youth service center offers a Christmas points program, where a guardian can apply for help providing gifts for any children in their home. The Hancock County Cooperative Extension, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) teamed up with them to offer nutrition classes for the families to attend in order to receive points for the program. In the entry survey i
Author: Bethony Morris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Bethony Morris Hancock/Daviess County ENFEPSuccess Story 2019/2020Hancock County Cooperative Extension, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, Facebook GroupOn August 14, 2020 Hancock County Cooperative Extension, Expanded Food and Education Program (EFNEP) decided to start its’s first Facebook live group. With it being the first it was decided to start out with a small group, to be able to get everything worked out. There was 4 women asked to join the group to particip
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the spring of 2020, a program was held by the Nutrition Education Program Assistant from the Lincoln County Extension Office in cooperation with the FCS Agent, Ephraim McDowell Health and Stanford Baptist Church. This program was designed to help improve heart health in Lincoln County by focusing on nutrition, physical activity and stress management. Advertisement was conducted weekly on the county radio program, with flyers, with social media campaigns and through word of mouth.
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the Fall of 2019, a program was held by the Nutrition Education Program Assistant at the Lincoln County Extension Office called Soups and Such. Each week, participants would be taught a lesson from the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum and would be served a Nutrition Education Program approved soup. This program had several goals. Participants would be given education on how to eat healthy, balanced meals using MyPlate. They would also be given information and resources on
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In March of 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown, all in-person programming at the Lincoln County Extension Office was cancelled. In order to address this gap in programming, it became necessary to utilize virtual education more regularly. The goal was to provide nutrition and health focused content that would be engaging to the community, and hopefully reach a larger audience that had not been tapped into before with traditional programming. A Facebook page was started by the Nutriti
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In March of 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown, all in-person programming at the Lincoln County Extension Office was cancelled. In order to address this gap in programming, it became necessary to utilize other methods of education delivery in the community. One method that was employed by the Lincoln County Nutrition Education Program Assistant was making Grab-and-Go nutrition bags for different people in the community. During this time of uncertainty, these bags would h
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Carlisle County paraprofessional provided Healthy Choices for Everybody lessons during the distribution of commodities, having an attendance of approximately 20 participants. In March 2020, the pandemic of the COVID-19 closed all physical locations for in-person sessions; therefore, the sessions could not take place. Additionally, due to the shutdown, there were no longer volunteers to prepare the commodities for distribution. Carlisle County Extension was able to fil
Author: Cheryl Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
2020, COVID-19. All kinds of uncertainty/changes. Changes in the way we live, visit others, run errands, go to work, travel, etc, but most of all the way we think.Dealing with FEAR and the UNKNOWN… a time when more than any other in one’s lifetime, a person’s job was either defined as, “Essential,” or “Non-essential. ”During this time, EXTENSION has become more importantly an ESSENTIAL FIGURE! This year brings full circle several things many could
Author: Cheryl Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Whitley County Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) Assistant, understands the importance of being accessible to the clients of the Nutrition Education Program (NEP), and was feeling a bit detached from clients due to the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020. She knew her computer skills definitely needed some improvement, but up until COVID-19, she didn’t really think much of it, due to her job being more of an “in-person” “hands-on” instruction type teaching met
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
One week after creating the Facebook page, we had to pivot to online marketing and programming due to COVID-19. The SNAP-Ed assistant working from home used this time to market her program to both counties. The FCS agent began to assist her in recording and posting food preparation videos. The platform's content included the monthly recipes from the SNAP Nutrition Calendar, Chop Chop and Seasoned Newsletters, and basic cooking demonstrations videos on Mama Mia Pizza Pockets. The content was
Author: Cheryl Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In Whitley County, there are several Grandparents raising their grandchildren. This brought about much discussion, planning and the start of a group of them that meet on a monthly basis, throughout the year with the exception of the month of August. Several community partners get together to help make this possible, and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Assistant (EFNEP) of the Whitley County Extension Office, has been able to enroll clients and collaborate with the different partners
Author: Lisa Lamb
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
I started a new class in late July at a recovery center there were 6 participants at the first lesson. 3 of those 6 proclaimed that they did not like to cook, Cooking was a chore that had to be done and 1 said I don't cook because all you can do is cook the same ole thing week after week. On the third lesson I was told by these same 3 clients that they don't feel like it is a chore anymore, one said they will never starve to death because they now can cook good food, they all three said
Author: Cheryl Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
For years, the EFNEP Assistant has tried to encourage the use of planting a garden at the rehab facility she is currently partnering with. The different directors of the rehab would consider it, but it has never quite become a reality. There has always been something to get in the way of this being accomplished and it would be moved to the back burner until a better time, which still only a small part has come to fruition, with the delivery of the Fall Victory Garden packets delivere
Author: Myrna Vazquez
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Success Story Healthy Choices - ADULTSAccording to The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings and Roadmaps website, Calloway County ranks 9th in the state of Kentucky in health outcomes. With a population of 39,135, Calloway County has an adult obesity rate of 33%. In an effort to reach people of diverse backgrounds, the Nutrition Education Program of Calloway County had the opportunity to deliver the Healthy Choices curriculum to an underrepresented group of adults with b
Author: Myrna Vazquez
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Success Story Viva Saludable - HISPANICSCalloway County has 39,135 residents, of which 2.7% are Hispanics. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant made 6 new adult connections this year and due to Covid-19, one participant completed the program and others will continue with lessons for the upcoming year. On average the Spanish program “Viva Saludable” sees 4 participants complete the lessons each year. The NEP assistant was able to provide several resources in Spanish like lesson h
Author: Myrna Vazquez
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Success Story LEAP - YOUTHCalloway County reports 23% of children in poverty, according to The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings and Roadmaps website. The Nutrition Education Program assistant of Calloway County delivered the Literacy, Eating and Activity for Primary (LEAP) youth curriculum to a local school district. A total of 11 groups with 228 youth, participated of the program. Four groups with a total of 84 students completed the six hour lessons. Seven groups w
Author: Terence Clemons
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Kentucky Kids Project report from 2016, 24.2 percent of youth in Bath County lived in food-insecure homes. Also, Kentucky is currently the 12th highest adult obesity rate in the nation, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 15.6 percent of adolescents were overweight, whereas 17.6 percent were obese. In addition to this information, the study conducted a survey to see how much fruit and vegetable children consumed the previous seve
Author: Velma Mullins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In March 2020, Covid-19 hit our community shutting down many businesses. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension service quickly addressed the need to have media trainings for the Nutrition Program Assistants to reach clients. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Program Assistant enrolled in classes to learn how to reach clients with online media channels so they could continue to reach the needs of the community. The assistant set up a nutrition education Facebook page and lear
Author: Velma Mullins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
As the coronavirus emerged into our state, many families faced food insecurity. With many jobs lost and the prices of food increased, many found themselves unable to provide basic needs for their families. After recognizing the need in the community, the Laurel County Extension Office teamed together with other agencies in the county to offer two food giveaways targeted at working families. We worked with God’s Food Pantry Food Bank, United Way, and the Laurel County Scho
Author: Jill Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
After the death of a spouse, eating can become a chore. Many people do not have an appetite; others do not want to cook for one person; and others overlook their own physical well-being in the midst of grief and loneliness. However, those who are alone should make good nutrition and health a priority in order to properly fuel their body. Protein is important to keep muscles stronger and reduce the risk of falling; grains provide fiber for gut health and helping lower cholestero
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Our unofficial motto in the Nutrition Education Program has always been, “We are nothing, if not flexible”. Over the years the program has seen changes in budgets, in reporting systems, in leadership, in curricula, in office space and in coworkers. One thing that has not changed however is our unwavering dedication to serving families in need.2020 and the Covid 19 pandemic have made the challenges we faced in the past feel like child play. The success of our program depended on our a
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives, we’re separated from extended family and friends, schools have been closed. We are learning new ways to cope with isolation, stress, and anxiety. These don’t just affect adult’s health but also youth as well. To address this issue the Wolfe County Cooperative Extension Service, Nutrition Education Assistant created “Lunchtime Live with Brooke and Baylee,” (two volunteers willing to help prepare recipes). Each week one of
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down and has been challenging on how to provide services to our community. In person programming has been canceled, leaving us looking for ways to reach these clientele in the community. To address this issue the Wolfe County Cooperative Extension Service, Nutrition Education Assistant partnered with the Family and Consumer Science Agent to provide a different form of programming. An online cooking challenge called “Chopped: Extension Edition”
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Our lives have been turned upside down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything that is important to us has been affected by this virus. How we communicate, interact with one another, how we travel has been impacted, programs, schools, and stores are all being forced to close their doors. In any challenge there is opportunity and during this difficult time we have had to be more open to new thinking and new ways of doing things we have only thought of as being to bold or impossible. To address t
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 new guidelines on how individuals and businesses would operate, guiding families to stay home more and to limit their time around other individuals. It was important that the clientele in the community were still being reached. New and interesting ways of reaching these clients were offered. After acknowledging this need in the community the Wolfe County Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Assistant partnered with the 4H agent and creat
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Boone County Extension Service Nutrition Education Program partnered with St. Elizabeth’s Hospitals Primewise's Senior group. Seniors can struggle to find simple, affordable, healthy meals made for 1 or 2 people, that doesn't take several steps to prepare in the kitchen. Ten older adults learned a 7 part series of important nutrition and food safetylessons, along with cooking and sampling some low cost, healthy recipes. The participantswere delighted with how eas
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Studies show families in Kentucky can sometimes struggle to meet the basic needs of theirfamily. Recent data shows Kentucky’s State Poverty rate is almost 19%. (Pre-Covid 19). The University of Kentucky’s Boone County Nutrition Education Assistant, partnered with The Northern Kentucky’s Helping Hearts group. Helping Hearts is a non-profit organizationthat works virtually via Facebook to distribute household goods, clothing, diapers, formulaand food to local Nort
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In 2019 37 million people in the United States were struggling with food insecurities. It is projected in 2020 to increase by 46% due to Covid-19. By the end of 2020, 54 millionAmericans will have struggled with food insecurities, 1 in 7 Kentuckians. In May 2020 theUSDA began the Covid-19 Food Assistance Program. Which provides $3 billion in freshproduce, meat and dairy once a month to be distributed locally to food banks and other non-profits in every County in Kentucky. These 20-25lb
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the CDC in 2011-2014, 6 in 10 youth (63%) drank sugar-sweetenedbeverages on a given day. In the Spring of 2020 The University of Kentucky’s BooneCounty Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with 89 youth from HillardCollins Elementary School 4th Grade classes. Hillard Collins has 100% free and reducedlunch program where the majority of the student’s families receive Snap benefits. Thechildren were taught basic nutrition skills using MyPlate. They learned about
Author: Heather Cheek
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Mason County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the Montgomery County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent to implement the Body Balance: Protect Your Body from Pollution with a Healthy Lifestyle lesson “Make Your Plate a Rainbow.” The lesson was delivered to an audience of 4 direct participants and 30 indirect participants through the Zoom recording posted on the Mason County Family and Consumer Sciences Facebook page. Following the lesson, there was a 100% increase
Author: Tasha Tucker
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Wild Cat RoarAccording to State of Childhood Obesity in 2017-2018, 20.8% of children between the ages of 10 and 17 are considered obese. EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) assistant partnered alongside Ben Johnson Elementary School to promote a healthier lifestyle within the classroom which would hopefully also carry into families homes. In order to achieve this goal, EFNEP assistant taught My Plate every Wednesday consecutively for 6 weeks. My Plate instructs children on
Author: Tasha Tucker
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The 2018 State Indicator produced by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that only 12.2 % of adults meet the daily fruit intake and only 9.3% meet the recommended amount of vegetables. Records also show an even lower number of adults meeting the recommended daily intake in communities that are considered below the poverty line. Breckinridge County poverty rate stands at 53%. Wanting to make a positive impact in lives of families in Breckinridge County, Nutrition Education Assist
Author: Tasha Tucker
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Jesus said, “If you love me, feed my sheep”, Restoration Church has taken these red letter words and followed them with great love and passion! According to 2018 feedingamerica.org, 53% of the families in Breckinridge County are below the poverty line.Restoration Church saw the need of food insecurity within the congregation and community. Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant and the Agriculture & Natural Resource Agent partnered alongside Res
Author: Tasha Tucker
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Breckinridge County has a 24% obesity rate and 69% report being overweight. Only 15% report eating fruits and vegetables on a regular bases. To combat this problem the Breckinridge County Cooperative Extension Staff partnered together Nutrition Education Assistant and the Family Consumer Science Agent in hopes to make positive behavior changes within families. The Family Consumer Science Agent educated the Head Start children on healthy eating through Three (3) LEAP lesso
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Facebook Live Cooking Demos During the pandemic Spencer County Extension Agents have had to pivot their programing, much like everyone else, to online platforms. This is so that we can still reach much needed audiences. Every Wednesday our program assistant demos a Kentucky Proud or SNAP recipe though our county extension Facebook page. Not only does she provide the recipe step by step with our audience, she gives them detailed cooking and safety instruction. Such as, knife safety, applianc
Author: Angela Freeman
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In a nationwide telephone survey of 2,004 respondents, people who reported picking flowers, fruits or vegetables, planting trees, taking care of plants, or living next to a garden in childhood were more likely to show an interest in gardening as they aged and to form lasting positive relationships with gardens and trees (Lohr & Pearson-Mims, 2005)School Gardens help to extend the classroom beyond traditional settings by expanding it outside. Gardening can provide students with hands-on learn
Author: Angela Freeman
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In a nationwide telephone survey of 2,004 respondents, people who reported picking flowers, fruits or vegetables, planting trees, taking care of plants, or living next to a garden in childhood were more likely to show an interest in gardening as they aged and to form lasting positive relationships with gardens and trees (Lohr & Pearson-Mims, 2005)The Victory Garden project was initiated by Kentucky Nutrition Education Program in the summer with resources on gardening information and support
Author: Angela Freeman
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During school closures for Covid-19, child care centers which remained open served children of essential workers. Upon limited reopening, a number of children in their care were school age, and others were pre-kindergarten age. Three of these centers in Taylor County expressed interest in continuing either gardening assistance or remote programming for those older children. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Assistant in Taylor County had actively enrolled groups in two of those centers at the time
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service implemented the Body Balance: Protect Your Body from Pollution with a Healthy Lifestyle lesson Cut Down on Environmental Pollutants in Your Diet. The lesson was delivered to an audience of 7 participants, composed primarily of women. Following the lesson, there was a 100% increase in knowledge pertaining to understanding the benefits phytonutrients have in negating the detrimental effects of environmental pollution. Participants were aske
Author: Mimi Quiroz
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Success Story Knowing your LimitsThe Nutrition Education Program has been helping our communities to learn how unhealthy choices, not knowing how many calories are needed to eat every day, large food portions, and limited physical activities can lead to many chronic diseases.The adult obesity rate in Gallatin County is 36% in adults according to the Kentucky Health Facts Organization. One main factor that contributes to weight gain and obesity is soda consumption. Recent studies show that p
Author: Leticia Hughes
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Edmonson County SNAP-Ed Assistant partnered with Edmonson County Schools, Edmonson County Head Start, and the Little Treasures Learning Academy to provide youth programming in person to 217 youth participants. The SNAP-Ed Assistant utilized the LEAP Program to teach to sixty Pre-K students, and Professor Popcorn to teach to 157 Kindergarten students. The SNAP-Ed Assistant taught each of these students six hours of programming. These students learned about eating healthy, food safety, their f
Author: Leticia Hughes
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During COVID19 the Edmonson County SNAP-Ed Assistant utilized virtual resources as a way to reach limited resource audiences in Edmonson County. With the utilization of Facebook the Snap-Ed Assistant was able to reach audiences that they were not able to reach via in person programming. With the use of Facebook posts on the Facebook Page Edmonson County NEP they were able to reach a larger number of Edmonson County residents including many families, single parents, children, teens, and adults. S
Author: Leticia Hughes
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In March 2020 the Edmonson County Snap-Ed Assistant partnered with FCS, AG, and 4H agents within the office to create a family garden bag. This bag went to 30 Edmonson County families in April. The SNAP-Ed assistant utilized the SNAP community garden grant funds to purchase seeds and soil for the families to start their own garden at home during the quarantine. In these bag the SNAP-Ed Assistant provided SNAP reusable bags, SNAP gardening gloves, and the SNAP Farmer’s Market shopping guide
Author: Leticia Hughes
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Edmonson County SNAP-Ed Assistant taught a group of four limited resource families an in person program called Cooking thru the Calendar. This program's focus was utilizing the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum as well as the 2020 KYNEP Calendar. With a focus on nutrition and hands on cooking. The four participants in the Cooking thru the Calendar group showed a 100 percent positive change in any food group. They also showed an 82 percent positive change in their diet quality fro
Author: Nancy Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic the Allen County Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program felt it was important to maintain presence and consistent communication within the Allen County community. In an effort to reach a large number of Allen County community members with important educational materials the Allen County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant partnered with a local grocery store to share information related to health and nutrition. A
Author: Nancy Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 pandemic at statewide “Healthy at Home” initiative was issued in Kentucky. This initiative encouraged Kentucky residents, especially those with underlying health conditions, to stay at home as much as possible to avoid becoming ill due to the rapidly spreading corona virus. During this time many elderly and senior citizen residents found themselves sheltering in place in order to stay safe and healthy. In an effort to reach these community members during this time
Author: Nancy Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Allen County, KY Is 64% below the Snap threshold 130% poverty. Allen County Cooperative Extension Office, Allen County SNAP-Ed program, Allen County Schools all team together and during the time that the children were unable to attend school and with Allen County being 64% poverty. This was a great concern for the community. So while everyone was on lock down the community partnered up with other community members. The Allen County School system really worked hard on making sure that the childre
Author: Nancy Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Allen County Cooperative Extension Office Family and Consumer Science and Nutrition Education Program (NEP) partnered up with HANDS program, Early Childhood Council, Allen County Public Library and Dugas Park to help with the early childhood development of children in Allen County. Participants that visit the storybook trail at Dugas Park will walk a 1/3 mile trail with 28 permanent podiums installed. Participants will stop at each po
Author: Patsy Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the Covid19 pandemic the Jackson County Cooperative SNAP-Ed Assistant partnered with the Jackson County 4-H, Save the Children and the Jackson County School system to deliver Health and Nutrition bags to the local schools, which were sent home to children in NTI packets and school lunches. The bags consisted of proper handwashing flyers, CHOP CHOP Kids Newsletters, recipe cards and SNAP-Ed materials to encourage healthy eating and physical activity. The bags also contained foo
Author: Patsy Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Jackson County SNAP-Ed assistant partnered with the New Hope Recovery center to teach an eight week program using the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum. The SNAP-Ed assistant visited the program twice a month. During this time the focus was on preparing healthy meals on a budget, food safety, proper handwashing and how to incorporate good nutrition back into their lifestyle. At each class the group also discussed the importance of daily physical activity. The
Author: Patsy Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Even during a pandemic the Jackson County Cooperative Extension service found a way to serve the community. The SNAP-Ed program assistant partnered with 4-H, ANR and several community groups and local businesses to do a Container Garden Project. A total of 75 gardening kits were given to families at a drive through at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension office. The container gardening kits contained gardening supplies, seeds and plants, information packets and ever
Author: Rachael Price
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected our communities. Empty shelves at the supermarket, and growing concerns for food insecurity has shifted the consumers focus toward the farm stand and self-sustaining agriculture. The Grant County Extension Service has started several new initiatives to increase food security in our community as well as encourage families to learn how to become self-reliant and supplement through small personal gardens.A Green Thumb program was planned as an
Author: Jill Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Early during the pandemic, many people found their grocery stores temporarily out of certain food products. People were also concerned about contracting Covid-19 and tried to minimize trips to grocery store. As a result, they stocked up on groceries for their pantries, refrigerator, and freezer. A well-stocked pantry has benefits aside from emergency preparedness: It can increase the likelihood to cook, decrease the amount of prep time, reduce the need to use a recipe, sa
Author: Mimi Quiroz
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Day Camp in a Bag University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension offices are usually busy places in the summer, buzzing with young people learning lots of life skills in day camps that cover cooking, gardening, sewing and a plethora of other activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has quashed all that, but extension educators believe if there is a will, there’s a way. In a three-county region in Northern Kentucky, the Owen/Gallatin/Carroll County Nutrition Education Program Assistant came up
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
When the pandemic reached the US and we entered lock-down, the Frankfort-Franklin County Emergency Management Center asked for volunteers to donate their time, items or space - for whatever may come. Since the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Service (FCCES) was closed to the public and Extension Agents were limited in what they could provide to the public, FCCES agents agreed to offer their time and the building space, if needed.The Frankfort-Franklin County Emergency Management Center off
Author: Lora Gullett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Fiscal year 2020 started off with KY State University SNAP-Ed Nutrition Program offering “Teen Cuisine” Curriculum to 116 Rowan County Middle School 6th and 7th grade students. “Teen Cuisine” is curriculum developed by Virginia Tech Extension which teaches nutrition and basic cooking skills over 6 lessons. Middle School is time for students to develop some independence and start making their own food choices. This curriculum teaches them to make healthie
Author: Jhamicah Harbut
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Building relationships throughout your lifetime is important. It is important to create sustainable relationships and collaborate with community organizations throughout the community. One of the ways Kentucky State University collaborates is through EFNEP. Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (KSUCEP) provides low-income families and youth in Kentucky with hands-on nutrition education to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related health challenges. Through the federally fun
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Livingston County ANR and 4-H partnered with the Livingston County judge-executive, helping hands and several other community entities to participate in the USDA’s excess food give away program. We were able to obtain 2,808 boxes of food which totaled $112,179.60 and were able to serve over 2,000 families throughout our community. Just like communities all over the nation, we have seen families throughout our community struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020. This program wo
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
TRADING HABITSAccording to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 34% of American adults are considered obese while in Boyd County, KY that figure is 41%. The director of a women’s drug/alcohol rehabilitation facility contacted the Boyd County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) assistant expressing concern regarding poor dietary habits of incoming patients when being admitted into rehabilitation. Of particular concern was that patients where trading the
Author: Vanessa Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the 2020 Kentucky Diabetes Fact Sheet, from 2000 to 2018, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes in Kentucky has doubled from 6.5% (198,052) to 13.7% (474,456). Kentucky is the 8th highest in the U.S. for diabetes prevalence. In Appalachia, the rate for diabetes is 16.8% compared to 12.5% in non-Appalachian counties. The Menifee County SNAP-ED assistant taught seven Healthy Choices for Every Body lessons to a group of Homemakers at the Menifee County Extension Office. The less
Author: Jessica Reed
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age, putting older adults at the most risk. The severe illness includes a person with COVID-19 that may require hospitalization, intensive care units, ventilators to help support breathing, or death. One analysis of more than 114,000 COVID-19 associated deaths during May-August 2020, found that 78% of the people that died, aged 65 or older, and were closely matched with the male
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The stress of limited food access has been overwhelming for many families during the coronavirus pandemic. Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap data indicates that Clinton County has a 16.9 % food insecurity rate. Clinton County Extension staff have helped facilitate the monthly commodities food distribution program during the pandemic including the management of volunteers to package food items and the facilitation a drive-thru format for direct receipt of food boxes. From July-September, 5
Author: Nellie Buchanan
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Supplying supplemental food to senior citizens on limited incomes is a rewarding task. In collaboration with the KY Dept of Ag CSPF program/God's Pantry Food Bank, Morgan County Extension homemakers volunteer to package 324 food boxes monthly. This effort supplies 600 lbs. of cheese, 300 qts shelf stable fluid milk, 300 packages dry instant milk, 300 half gallons of fruit juice, 900 cans of fruit, 1200 cans each of 2 different vegetables 600 boxes cereal, 600 lbs. pasta, 600 lbs.
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
As families across Kentucky are spending the holidays at home, the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent and the 4H Youth Development Agent partnered to offer a program that would provide an opportunity to families to spend time together learning about holidays across the world that are different to their own, managing finances, healthier eating habits, a n educational craft, and family bonding time. This program was only offered as a one-time program, however the educational components i
Author: Teresa King
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During this current Covid-19 crisis, families are faced with the challenge of stretching their income to pay bills and purchase groceries. There is a growing need for a strong knowledge of food budgeting and stretching their food dollars.The Meade County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program assistant offered a Healthy Choices for Every Body Facebook Live Program to families that were looking for some new ideas on how to stretch their budgets. The program was provided live, once a week,
Author: Judy McGuire
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Meetings Needs During COVID 19With COVID 19 being a big part of everyone’s life and having to find ways to cope with the mandated wearing mask and social distancing, teaching group nutrition classes is not possible. The Floyd County Cooperative Extension’s, Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the local food pantries agreed that t
Author: Karli Giles
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Jessamine County Cooperative Extension Services offered a four-week online gardening program. The Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, 4-H Youth Development, and Family & Consumer Sciences Agent partnered together to create a dynamic learning experience. Each week the agents worked together to create a spotlight video as the main lesson for the week. Topics included seeds, raised beds, transplants, and recipe demonstrations. In addition to the spotlight videos, the agents shared th
Author: Anita Boyd
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
While Covid-19 stilled played a huge role in limiting in-person programs, it did not prevent educational opportunities and information from reaching adults and youth in Mason County. The Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program Assistant, along with Mason County Extension 4-H and Horticulture Agents partnered to provide “Pumpkin Palooza,” a weekly family interactive outreach program that provided hands-on family activities, nutritious recipes with educational information,
Author: Alyssa Cox
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
As the pandemic hit, the plans for our bi-annual Pumpkin Days were well underway! Traditionally, this day encompasses 1500 Headstart, Preschool, Kindergarten and first graders attending a day of activities, recipe tasting and stories all centered around pumpkins... they even take a trip to the pumpkin patch to pick their very own pumpkin. As fall approached, the hopes of hosting the day in-person at the Robinson Station for Appalachian Resource Sustainability diminished. Agents were determined t
Author: Janey Cline
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Diversification of Hart County Agriculture has been identified as a major area for program efforts. Extension has worked for many years to help producers identify and take advantage of opportunities in diversified agricultural enterprises. We have assisted growers in developing markets for vegetable crops and have done extensive work in vegetable production. The local Farmers Market has been the main focus of the diversification efforts for Janey Cline, Family and Consumer Sciences agent. D
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
COVID-19 has presented many different challenges when meeting the needs of our communities but 2 programs have overcome those obstacles: The Free Food giveaway program and the Hunters for the Hungry food giveaway program.The USDA Farmers to Families program was offered to the McLean County community through a partnership between Audubon Area Community Services, Mclean County Judge Executives office, Senior Citizens Program, UK Cooperative Extension Service and many other volunteer organizations
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Story Walk increases literacy and local food awareness.In 2013-2015, 31.9% of adults in Hickman County age 20 and over reported no leisure-time physical activity (Hickman County Data Profile, CES Community Assessment 2019). Simultaneously, only 76.1% of children entering kindergarten are ready to learn (2020 Early Childhood Profile). Physical activity, healthy local food choices, and early community literacy opportunities were strategically combined through the Story Walk experience. The Hi
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The LaRue County Extension Office, along with volunteers, distributed dairy and produce boxes to 1000 families. The Produce and Dairy boxes came from the Kentucky Dairy Development Council as a part of the CARES act. The distribution was done drive-through style and no person to person contact was made. All families received Kentucky proud plate it up recipes that featured the items they were receiveing in their boxes. They all were given information about the extension office and upcoming
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
“Souper” Bowl Increases Vegetable IntakeAccording to the Center for Disease Control, only 6.3% of Kentucky adults are consume the recommended daily intake of vegetables. The director of a men’s drug/alcohol rehabilitation facility contacted the Boyd County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) assistant expressing concern regarding poor dietary habits of incoming patients when being admitted into rehabilitation. He also expressed concern th
Author: Valerie Holland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Providing fresh produce to urban neighborhoods where there are no grocery stores has long been a focus for those working to balance food offerings among fast food restaurants and corner convenience stores. Kroger and Dare to Care partnered to create a single-aisle grocery store on wheels, which travel through west Louisville neighborhoods, serving 40 to 60 people at each location. This concept has spread throughout the US as a response to grocery store closures in downtown areas a
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to data collected by FeedingAmerica.org, 16.4% of Carlisle County residents are food insecure. Comparatively, this is higher than the national percentage of 14.0. The effects of COVID-19 on the community only drive those numbers upward, due to job loss and food accessibility. In an attempt to combat these statistics and get food onto the plates of their residents, the Carlisle County FCS Extension & Extension Homemakers joined forces with the Carlisle County Famil
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The economic downturn has seen increased interest in home gardening and food preservation. These practices allow families the ability to control added ingredients such as salt and sugar, especially for those on restricted diets. Through Cooperative Extension, a series of food preservation videos have been produced to assist clientele during times that face-to-face programming is not feasible. Increased interest in learning more about al
Author: Kathleen "Happy" Raffaele
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Keeping Fitness a Priority During a Worldwide PandemicA healthy heart is always important, but especially during the Pandemic. People with heart disease and other medical conditions appear to be at higher risk for more severe symptoms or complications if they contract COVID-19. The American Heart Association recommends adults have at least 150 minutes of moderate levels of physical activity per week or an average of 30 minutes each day and including strength training on 2 of those days.The pande
Author: Rachel Hance
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
For the past few years, our extension staff has partnered to provide a community event to educate and invite our clients to the farmers’ market. This year’s event was Sweet Summertime at the Farmer’s Market drive-through no-contact event.We targeted preschool through middle school youth. Each client received a bag with sidewalk chalk with physical fitness educational activities, sunglasses with sun safety information, bubbles with bubble art activity information, keychains, and
Author: Kristi Shive
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Warren County Extension Service has worked with the Farm and Home Show for 20+ years as a platform for other Extension Agents and Specialists to share research based information from the University of Kentucky. The educational, 5 minute show shares seasonal topics related to the farm and the home and is broadcast on the WBKO TV Station to residents across the South Central Kentucky viewing area.When the coronavirus struck, the TV station informed the office that they could no longer allow gu
Author: Kristi Shive
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Warren County Extension Agents and Staff created a fun, mobile educational program to highlight all program areas offered by the Cooperative Extension Service entitled “Extension on the Go”. This collaborative effort focused on compiling a themed bag full of educational materials, family activities, recipes and more for Warren County res
Author: Jhamicah Harbut
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Building relationships throughout your lifetime is important. It is important to create sustainable relationships and collaborate with community organizations throughout the community. One of the ways Kentucky State University collaborates is through EFNEP. Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (KSUCEP) provides low-income families and youth in Kentucky with hands-on nutrition education to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related health challenges. Through the federally fun
Author: Tracy Cowles
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Families have been impacted financially and psychologically by the Coronavirus Pandemic. The Butler County Extension Service worked with The Kentucky Dairy Development Council and the H&S Dairy Farm to secure a semi-load of fresh dairy products for distribution to Butler County citizens. The event was organized and promoted by extension service staff and volunteers. The event was advertised as Dairy Promotion Day. The Butler County Family Resource Center and youth ser
Author: Lora Gullett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
COVID-19 related food insecurity puts more Americans at risk for obesity or worsening obesity. Kentucky is one of the twelve states with an obesity rate of over 35% in adults, and rates of childhood obesity are also increasing. The latest data showing that 19.3 percent of U.S. young people, ages 2 to 19, have obesity. Studies have shown nutrition education programs in the schools help decrease this growing trend by promoting the decrease of sugary/high calorie foods and sedentary lifestyles. Due
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Grant County KY has an adult obesity rate of 35.6% and a physical activity rate of 30.2%. Families were experiencing additional struggles due to staying home because of the COVID pandemic. In order to reach out to families who couldn’t meet in person, the Grant County Nutrition Education Program, and the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent collaborated to offer a series of virtual classes using the Healthy Choices Curriculum, Weight the Reality Series and Small Steps to Health and Wealth Pr
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to America’s Health Rankings Report, Kentucky ranks 49th out of 50 for senior health. In the past four years, frequent mental distress in Kentucky Adults aged 65+ has increased 55%. The local senior center, which was a major source of socialization for seniors, was closed due to the COVID pandemic. As a result, the Grant County Senior Center director and the Grant County Nutrition Education Program collaborated to offer Zoom classes to reach out virtually to Gra
Author: Jessica Reed
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Foster care is a safe place that provides a child and their birth family an opportunity to resolve any conflicts or disruptions and learn healthy skills so the children can return to a safe environment. Many of these children have experienced abuse, neglect, or other family challenges and, are removed from their home by the court system due to their safety concerns. According to childrensrights.org, on any given day, nearly 424,000 children are in the United States foster care system. In 2019, o
Author: Peggy Jones
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
2020 Grow Your Vitamins-Sweet Potato ProjectRowan County has a population of 20,898 as of 2010 census, 3057 (15%) are seniors that are 55 or older. 18 % of the seniors live in poverty in Rowan County and have limited access to fresh produce. FCS Agent initiated a program called Grow Your Vitamins in 2017 and continue on going with goal of increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. For the 4th year, Extension collaborated with the Rowan County High School FFA members, Instru
Author: Laykin Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Kentucky continues to have the highest rate in the nation of children in the care of relatives. In 2016-2018, nine percent of Kentucky children were being raised by a relative, which is more than double the national rate of four percent.(www.kyyouth.org) One community member contacted Bath County SNAP-Ed Program Assistant, Laykin Smith, in hopes of finding healthy recipes to help blood sugar spikes due to diabetes. This grandmother also shared she was
Author: Rachel Price
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
COVID-19 has had a tremendous effect on students and their learning across the nation this year. Closed schools have added more social isolation more than ever. Rowan County SNAP-Ed Program Assistant decided to have nutrition classes for students online this year. Although not there in-person, we were able to make it fun and enjoyable for the students. The program helped promote general wellness and exercise in a time of uncertainty for many youth. . The classes have workshops about nutrition, f
Author: Chandra DeRamus
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Success Story March 2021 DeRamus.pdfChandra DeRamusSuccess Story – March 2021The last several months has brought about some new challenges to families and the community at large. From March 2020 to currently, the virus known as the Corona virus, nicknamed COVID-19, took the world by storm impacting the health and well-being of our nation worldwide. In the midst of the new pandemic, the world has had to find new ways to adjust daily schedule of the everyday grind of the (8 to 5)
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Life Skills & Google ClassroomThe Johnson County SNAP-Ed Senior Assistant conducted 6 youth lessons with the Johnson County Middle Schools 7th and 8th grade Life Skills class via Google Classroom. Using the Teen Cuisine curriculum during the lessons, the topics discussed were the 5 food groups, culinary skills, nutrition facts, and food safety, reading labels, and healthy choices. We also set up a live food demonstration at the end of each class. The teacher made the recipes before each clas
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2019 data from the US Census website, 29% of residents in Breathitt County live in poverty. One way to address this issue is by learning how to meal plan, shop smarter, and how to use leftovers. Breathitt County SNAP-Ed Assistant, in partnership with Emmanuel Fellowship Church, taught adults the Healthy Choices Curriculum. As a part of these classes, participants learned the importance of meal planning, reading labels, and food safety. Participants behavior change was indi
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Center for Disease Control, 39.7% of Kentucky adults do not consume the recommended daily intake of foods from the five food groups. The Director of a maternity recovery center estimated the percentage of clients entering that facility to be substantially higher than the average.She contacted The Boyd County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant was contacted expressing concern over the poor dietary habits of the incoming clients. The SNAP
Author: Mary Hixson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Trying to reach youth audience with SNAP-Ed Assistant for cooking experiences during the pandemic. All Garrard County students have Chrome Books for their classroom work and use the format, Google Meets. Collaborating with school administrators and the Community Education Director, we set up a Google Meets bi-weekly cooking school with an international flare. Basing the educational component on Teen Cuisine curriculum and using or creating recipes with individual countries' flavors, each wee
Author: Lora Pullin
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Dr. Tim Woods, University of Kentucky Agriculture Economics, a surge in the demand for local food products has been observed during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This has led to a new consumer interest in direct markets such as farmers markets.As the Greenup County Farm to Table planning committee began to work on the 2020 event, they decided to focus on local producers, the local supply chain, agriculture education, and consumerism. This committee is comprised of local extension age
Author: Dianne Hayward
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Let me tell you that I am not technology savvy and neither are most of my clients. I am the SNAP-Ed Assistant for Cumberland County and have been struggling to hold any programs with most of our in person programs banned due to covid restrictions. I had to try and do our programs virtually online with zoom and facebook, with these came all the training on how to run our programs. HELP! I like so many others were pushed into this virtual world. How was I going to encourage my clients
Author: Vanessa Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
PICKING YOUR PROTEINS &nb
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2018 data from the Feeding America website, 25% of the population in Breathitt County face food insecurity. Breathitt County’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant partnered with God’s Pantry to distribute 144 food boxes in January. Families received food safety handouts, meal planning handouts, and recipe cards on how to properly prepare the food items they received. Families stated that they did not know how to properly prep
Author: Joy Rose
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
WOLFE CHOW- Families Cooking TogetherThe Nutrition Education Assistant teamed up with Wolfe County 4-H and Wolfe County High and Middle School Family Resource and Youth Service Center to do a cook at home –family program, during COVID 19 while in person programming was limited. To add more interest to the program, we decided to use slow-cooker recipes. Recipes were chosen from the current Nutrition Education list. Additionally, with the help of&n
Author: Tamera Magee
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Franklin County FCS agent through a request from Paul Sawyier Library offered a class on using Cast Iron in cooking. The virtual presentation covered the purchase, seasoning, how to use and care for cast iron so that it can last from one generation to the next. Participants were able to ask questions ranging from cooking tips to restoration. According to library statistics, sixty-nine (69) individuals joined the live presentation. Since that time, the presentation has recei
Author: Tamera Magee
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
COVID-19 restrictions caused families to prepare more meals at home. For many families, food budgets were decreased due to job loss. Others may want to eliminate food waste by creatively using leftovers in soups. The Franklin Co. Cooperative Service partnered with the local library to offer Souper Quick. Soups are a great way to increase the variety of vegetables in one's diet. This Facebook live presentation focused on the types of soups and how to incorporate them when meal pla
Author: Anita Boyd
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The term “food safety” refers to handling, preparing and storing food in a way to best reduce the risk of individuals becoming sick from foodborne illnesses and help to make sure that our food keeps enough nutrients for us to have a healthy diet. This includes a number of routines that should be followed to avoid potential health hazards. The Mason County Nutrition Education Program Assistant (EFNEP) worked with a group of eleven (11) adults to help alleviate this problem. &nbs
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
MOO-tivated to Drink More MilkAccording to the Center for Disease Control, 41.4 % of Kentucky youth consume sugar sweetened beverages each day. The Center for Disease Control reported the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages is associated with parents’ lack of knowledge of the health risks associated with these beverages.The Director of an after-school program observed the students drinking an abundance of fruit flavored drinks, sports drinks, and soda pop.The Boyd County Supplem
Author: Sarah Spears
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
An essential goal of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program is to equip people of all ages with nutritional knowledge. Doing so ensures that they grow and continue to make healthy decisions throughout life. For a while now, schools, businesses, and other community entities have had to figure out innovative ways to serve the community, while also staying safe. Luckily, the Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program has
Author: Sarah Spears
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
An essential goal of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program is to equip youth of all ages with nutritional knowledge. Doing so ensures that they grow to make healthy decisions later on as adults. This is a particularly important task for Floyd County. According to the Floyd County Fitness and Nutrition Coalition, children born today in this county can expect to live up to seven years less than children in other, more well-to-do counties in Kentucky. &nbs
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
As a result of the COVID-19 state of emergency, traditional school schedules and learning systems have changed over the last year. The result of this led to the loss of free and reduced school meals for numerous Kentucky children. The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Stimulus was created for children to receive from October 2020 until the end of the current school year, which will carry on through a program that is in conjunction with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the U.S. D
Author: Amy Stooksbury
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Todd County, KY - Facebook Live GroupsChildren in virtual classrooms and parents working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic presented internet challenges to many rural Kentucky areas. In Todd County, approximately 4,000 people out of the 12,000+ population do not have access to internet. Of the three major towns in Todd County, 36.7% of consumers in Elkton have access to one or fewer wired internet providers and is the 193rd most connected city in Kentucky; Trenton is 280th and G
Author: Bonnie Sigmon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Food insecurity and food desserts in Kentucky have always been a challenge but the Covid 19 pandemic has driven those number to new heights and those who have never sought assistance before found themselves in need. Kentucky has the eighth-highest rate of food insecurity in the nation and the highest rate among adults ages 50-59 at 17.3%, which is well above the national average of 10.6%, according to Feeding America. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity among seniors in Kentucky w
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
A new partnership between the Pike county Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program(EFNEP) and Goodwill has providedand opportuity for EFNEP to assist people in the transition and return back to their communities successfully. The Pike County EFNEP Assistant teaches seven (7) required lessons virtually from the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum to Goodwill participantsenrolled in RISE (Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day).RISE participants are taught how to plan an
Author: Madison McAlmond
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Teaching the pilot program “Sharing Meals: A Smarter Guide to Potlucks” during a global pandemic was not the easiest, but it is still so important. “According to the Centers for Disease Control, Kentucky ranks very poorly in health, falling in the top 10 in the nation for deaths due to diabetes, heart disease, and cancers. Food choices are an important factor in the management and prevention of these diseases.” Although we cannot currently gather for potlucks, per CDC and
Author: Bobbie Hancock
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Mercer County NEP planned a series of 6 cooking night classes with Mercer County Intermediate School and King Middle School. These classes were streamed each Monday evening as a LIVE virtual class for students from the Mercer County Extension Office utilizing Google Classroom with assistance from Mercer County Family Resource Youth Service Program. Mercer NEP provided the recipes, handouts, and other learning materials such as measuring spoons, cups, and potholders for the students. While th
Author: Viola Wood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
COVID-19 has changed the way we live, work, and reach limited resource families in Muhlenberg County, KY. In person, group classes, social gatherings, and life as we knew it came to a screeching halt at the onset of COVID-19. It effected the way the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and the Nutrition Education Program assistant senior reached the under-served families in Muhlenberg County. The Hope 2 All Food Pantry in Muhlenberg County, KY saw an 50% increas
Author: Viola Wood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website gardening offers many physical and mental health benefits for children and adults. Included in those benefits is increased physical activity, skill building, and access to healthy fresh fruits and vegetables. Through a generous donation from a local farm supply store and the Muhlenberg County Cooperative Extension Service
Author: Brad Stone
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Due to the pandemic, meeting with families in person during the past year has been extremely challenging if not impossible. However; the message of the nutrition education program still needed to be presented to the families of Lewis County. The need to get the vital information of food safety, proper nutrition and information on being active. The Snap-Ed program assistant in Lewis County partnered with Garrison Elementary school through their school meal program in an effort t
Author: Sherry Ragsdale
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In 2020, the COVID 19 pandemic threatened the lives of people throughout the world. The stress of limited food access was overwhelming for many families in Oldham County Kentucky. According to the Dare to care food bank, 4,540 individuals in Oldham County are food insecure.The Oldham County Expanded Food and Nutrition Assistant partnered with the 2 local food pantries to provide COVID 19 materials on handwashing and staying healthy through the pandemic. Healthy recipes paired w
Author: Nola Janeen Tramble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
It is becoming increasingly common for consumers to share they are overwhelmed by the amount of nutrition information and claims that are available in magazines, talk shows, infomercials, and online. Each year, billions of dollars are spent on nutrition claims that have little scientific support and may be potentially harmful advice. It can be difficult for individuals to discern what is accurate and backed by science, compared to nutrition and health information that lacks scientific evidence.
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With Covid-19 shutting down in person classes, the Grant County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant along with the Family Resource Center Director at Sherman Elementary decided to offer a Virtual Youth Group via Zoom. Since 21% of children in Grant County live in poverty and 100% of children at Sherman Elementary receive free lunches, the family resource center provided the groceries needed to prepare curriculum recipes. Thirty youth and their pare
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With Covid-19 impacting service delivery of nutrition classes, face to face classes were no longer safe. In January, In the Beginnings Preschool returned to in person classes but with no outside visitors. In order to offer programming for the preschools, the Senior Program Assistant from the Grant County Extension SNAP Education program set up Zoom classes with In the Beginning’s director to offer lessons from the Literary, Eating and Activity for Primary (LEAP) Curriculum. &nb
Author: Anita Boyd
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the The Blackberry Recovery Center “Proper nutrition is important for a healthy life. If you suffer from a substance use disorder, nutrition is even more vital. It is one of the essential links to a successful and long-term recovery”. During periods of addiction, many people develop poor nutritional habits. Some of the most common effects of substance use include: suppressed appetite, poor diets, overeating and malnourishment. The Mason County (E
Author: Sandra Kennedy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Author: Kenna Knight
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
2020 offered many challenges for programs and program delivery. In looking at ways to offer beneficial programs, the Pendleton County Family and Consumer Science Agent decided to offer virtual cooking classes. The benefits from preparing meals at home are great. You eat fewer calories without even realizing it, you are more mindful of what you are putting in your mouth, you socialize more as a family unit and you stimulate your brain. These are just a handful of those ben
Author: Kayla Watts
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the 2019 Census Bureau Quick Facts for Breathitt County, the median household income is $27,344.00; placing 30% of the county population living in poverty. Those living in poverty often struggle to provide adequate nutrition/food to their families which directly affects the health of those families. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting existing food relief efforts in the county, Extension personnel began looking at ways to fill the gap between those in poverty and
Author: Jessica Hunley
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Eastern Kentucky University's Upward Bound program director contacted me in December of 2020 to look into developing and implementing a virtual program that would incorporate cooking lessons with high school Upward Bound students. These students are the ones who would have previously attended classes with our staff in-person during the summer, but due to the COVID pandemic, would no longer be able to have access to these lessons or experiences. The Upward Bound director and I te
Author: Emily DeWitt
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Obesity is a major public health challenge in Kentucky. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 36% of Kentucky adults live with obesity. Through the CDC’s High Obesity Program (HOP) project, land-grant institutions collaborate with Cooperative Extension Service (CES) to encourage healthy eating and active living to reduce rural obesity prevalence through policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies. Martin County, located in the Appalachian region of the s
Author: Brad Stone
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Fast food and busy schedules have caused a problem with the health of children in Kentucky. Information obtained from the Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health reveals that nearly 37% of children ages 10-17 are overweight or obese throughout the state. Equally concerning is that roughly 10% of children report no rigorous physical activity and only approximately 30% report activity each day. These frightening statistics pushed the Lewis County Nutrition Educati
Author: Marcia Moss
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Bullitt County Extension Office partnered with the Mount Washington Public Library for their second series of zoom classes teaching Eating Healthy for Everybody on February 9th 2021.After the lesson “Breakfast made Easy for Everybody” one of the participants sent an e-mail saying that she felt inspired to rethink her breakfast foods and to make a plan of eating a healthier breakfast.At graduation there had been a seventy-five percent improvement in diet quality in this group.
Author: Marcia Moss
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Due to the coronavirus continuing in to 2021, all in person nutrition education classes were still on hold for the Bullitt County Nutrition Education Program. In order to reach out to the community the Facebook page which was started in March of 2020 was utilized even more by posting more resources several times a day.The goal was to post recipes and helpful tips that could be taken and used in everyday life, just as if regular classes were being taught. To keep in touch with current clients and
Author: Victor Williams
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Food insecurity and food deserts in Kentucky have always been a challenge but the Covid 19 pandemic has driven those number to new heights and those who have never sought assistance before found themselves in need. Kentucky has the eighth-highest rate of food insecurity in the nation and the highest rate among adults ages 50-59 at 17.3%, which is well above the national average of 10.6%, according to Feeding America. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity among seniors in Kentucky wa
Author: Jessica Reed
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to https://stateofchildhoodobesity.org as of October 2020, Kentucky youth has the highest obesity rate at 23.8% for ages 10-17 years old among the 50 states and D.C. This increases the risk for children for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, and other obesity-related issues. The Montgomery County Public School System is located in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and made up of four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school covering PK-12th gr
Author: Caroline Durr
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In Jefferson County, an estimated 44,000 individuals live in areas that lack access to fresh food (Center for Health Journalism, 2019). Medical News Today cites several adverse health risks associated with living in an area like this, such as a higher incidence of obesity, increased prevalence of diabetes and other weight-related conditions, especially in children. Learning to grow vegetables can provide individuals living in these areas an affordable way to access fresh vegetables.In late summe
Author: Allison Lewis
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The art of cooking has made a strong comeback since the pandemic and in that comeback the use of the cast iron skillets was revived. Because of this the FCS agent and program assistant conducted monthly cast iron cooking and instruction lessons via Facebook. During these lessons participants learned how to care for their cast iron, what type of stoves they can be used on, and the variety of meals that can be cooked using it.Those who attended each class stated that they learned firsthand how to
Author: Kelly Burgess
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Consuming the recommended amount of vegetables each day is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity. This equals 2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day, depending on age and gender. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 6.3 percent of adults in Kentucky meet the daily vegetable intake recommendations. In order to increase vegetable consumption in Kentucky adults, the Allen County Extension office hosted the workshop Sensational Sa
Author: Gregory Comer
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The onset of COVID-19 created a new paradigm for many across the U.S and Kentucky. Access to nutritious foods was more limited than it has been since the last World War. Since many people were off work, raising vegetables in a garden became more popular. Internet searches for information about gardening increased 30% during the last year, during COVID. To assist local citizens, the Agriculture agents and FCS program Assistant pre
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Due to the ongoing global pandemic, the Kenton County Schools were closed to outside programming for the 2020-2021 school year to keep the students, faculty, and staff healthy at school. The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Senior Assistant of the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service had to get creative to offer programming to the schools. Partnering with the fourth-grade teachers at White’s Tower Elementary School, it was decided that nutrition education program
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
It’s All About RelationshipsStarting in March 2020 and continuing into 2021, the COVID 19 pandemic altered the way Nutrition Education Programming could safely be conducted with community partners in Kenton County, Kentucky. In order to keep students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe in school, no outside organizations were permitted to go into the Kenton County Schools or the Erlanger/Elsmere School district in Kenton County Kentucky. The need for healthy food and proper fo
Author: Bethany Wilson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Pulaski County Extension joined in with 21 others nonprofit organizations and 18 Food Vendors at the “Sample of Somerset” an evening event that was attended by more than 1,000 people. Attendees received educational information about the services provided by the Pulaski Extension Service while sampling delicious foods from the local food suppliers and restaurants. Extension Agents had the opportunity to share with the participants the different programs offered by th
Author: Dianne Hayward
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Covid – 19 restrictions made us think outside the box or should we say inside the box.The extension office could not have any in person programs for quite some time in 2020 so this made us think of different ways to reach people with our programs, people still had issues with health and nutrition that we could assist with but how to reach them was a challenge. There were some media classes like Zoom and Facebook and these still happen however we kept thinking about greater outreach.The Fam
Author: Esther "Susan" Turner
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Social media can be a good tool to reach diverse audiences. With the Covid-19 pandemic and post-pandemic busy schedules, social media provides a pathway to learning which can be accomplished at each individual’s convenience. Oftentimes, the thoughts of preparing food at home can seem overwhelming and extremely time consuming. To show that preparing healthy recipes at home can be quick and nutritious, the 4-H Youth Development agent developed a series of food preparation c
Author: Shannon Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID 19 pandemic has brought many new challenges to families. However, one of the positive outcomes has been a resurgence of home gardening and family togetherness. The Bracken County Extension Agents worked jointly together to provide information, garden kits and videos to help educate and promote home gardening amongst youth and their families. This past year many people have been interested in growing their own produce to provide for their families, enjoy a fun and educ
Author: Caroline Durr
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to low-income households to supplement their food budgets. As of June 2021, in Jefferson County, 47,638 households consisting of 98,176 individuals were utilizing SNAP benefits (CHFS DCBS, 2021). Many SNAP recipients may not possess a knowledge of how to purchase, prepare and store healthy foods. To bridge this gap, the Kentucky Nutrition Education Programs provides nutrition education with a goal of improving individual&rsqu
Author: Vanessa Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to kyhealthfacts.org from 2016 to 2018 in Menifee County, the obesity rate for adults was 52% and overweight percent for adults was 87%. The Menifee County SNAP-ED Assistant partnered with the Project Worth Food Pantry Clothing Room, to present seven lessons from the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum to six limited resources families. Two of the participants showed 100% improvement in diet quality, food resource management, physical activity and food safety. One participan
Author: Chandra DeRamus
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
“Kentucky State University Brings Innovative Programs to Elizabethtown Kentucky thru Technology in Nutrition Education Videos & Newsletters” Within Kentucky farmers, businesses, and families have all had some kind of impact from the COVID-19 (corona-virus) pandemic. According to the United States Census Bureau from May 2020 to May 2021 the price of food increased by at least 2.2 %, while energy increased by a staggering 29%. In addition, the un
Author: Laykin Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Local Senior Centers, such as the Bath County Senior Citizens Center, serve as a gateway to connect senior adults to vital community services that can help them stay healthy and independent. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, these local facilities were forced to close their doors and serve clients through limited drop-off/pick-up methods. Although the pandemic isn’t over, as more and more Kentuckians are being vaccinated, facilities are opening up and restrictions are being lifted. The Bath
Author: Amanda Howard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Prior to COVID-19 pandemic that hit in the middle of the program year, in person lessons, public relation events, health fairs, and in person food demonstrations was the preferred method of reaching clients. This meant the Magoffin County Nutrition Education Program’s Facebook page was not utilized other than as a reminder of upcoming events or activities. Since the end of March 2020, all events were either canceled or moved to a virtual platform. To reach clients who were now staying heal
Author: Jhamicah Harbut
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Building relationships throughout your lifetime is important. It is important to create sustainable relationships and collaborate with community organizations throughout the community. One of the ways Kentucky State University collaborates is through EFNEP. Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (KSUCEP) provides low-income families and youth in Kentucky with hands-on nutrition education to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related health challenges. Through the federally fun
Author: Andrea Munoz
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the USDA 800,000 seniors benefit from the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. know as SFMNP. Personally, this has been in my goals, every year, while working for extension office, to provide services for seniors, which are also the most vulnerable population, from the point of view of nutrition, isolation, and victims of abuse. This past year 2020 with the COVID 19 restrictions has been especially hard, the two senior centers that serve Whitley County, have been limi
Author: Amanda Howard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In March of 2020 people’s everyday lives took a lifestyle hit with coronavirus COVID 19. A life-threatening virus that made its way to the US. People were advised to stay at home to help slow the spread of the COVID-19. University of Kentucky required offices to stop any live programming. As a result, the Magoffin County Extension Office had to close the doors to the public. The Magoffin County Supplemental Nutrition Education Program Assistant Senior along with the Family and Consum
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With Covid-19 shutting down in-person classes in March of 2020, the Hickman/Carlisle County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant decided to continue reaching clientele safely by choosing to use social media as a platform. Researched-based information from the "Healthy Choices for Every Body" curriculum showed how to access food and ways to stretch food dollars during a pandemic. A quick, private Facebook group proved to be the easiest way to prov
Author: Paula Plonski
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Kentuckians’ lives during the past year, sometimes resulting in food insecurity due to to stay-at-home orders, higher unemployment and grocery shortages. The Nutrition Education Program’s SNAP-Ed Assistants normally hold in-person classes about healthful eating, resource management and other topics, but the pandemic restricted in-person instruction. In response to this challenge, new projects and materials were developed for reaching clients. These inc
Author: Amy Stooksbury
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The State of Childhood Obesity.Org shows 23.8% of Kentucky youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity, ranking Kentucky first among the 50 states and DC.Nutrition education is required for students at Todd County Middle School (TCMS). The Todd County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant presented “Teen Cuisine” curriculum virtually to six Practical Living Classes at TCMS when students returned to in person classes in March, 2021. Students viewed lessons with the NEP assistant
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Through a partnership with WestCare Healthy Families in Lookout KY, the Pike County Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant was instrumental in assisting clients to successfully transition back into their communities. After completing the Healthy Choices for EveryBody curriculum, these clients wanted to become healthier by making healthier food choices and enjoying exercise. WestCare Healthy Families is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that provides a wide spectrum of
Author: Evan Tate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Exercise and Activity for residents of assisted living centers is a necessity for good health. Residents often enjoy have day to day task and these routines can be apart of an exercise regiment that promotes mobility and wards off obesity. Additionally, assisted living centers often operate on tight budgets and are constantly looking for sources of healthy food at an affordable price.The Hancock County Cooperative Extension Service, Audubon Area Community Services and local businesses all
Author: Sara Jenkins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Within the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP), educational program delivery faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. By embracing technology and adapting program materials and delivery methods, opportunities emerged for NEP Extension personnel to thrive. During the 2020-21 program year, three NEP youth curricula—LEAP…for Health, Professor Popcorn, and Teen Cuisine--were adapted by NEP state staff for use in a virtual setting. Adapta
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Research consistently reports that cooking more meals at home is related to increased fruit and vegetable consumption. Furthermore, it is well documented that eating more fruits and vegetables is a critical behavior for health promotion and disease prevention. Despite the importance of eating more produce, it is also one of the most difficult eating behaviors to change. To assist in this endeavor, the Clinton County Extension Office started a community wide Recipe Club in the spring. 45 ind
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Pike County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant partnered with Goodwill Industries to provide healthy eating and lifestyle education to clients. Using the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum, the EFNEP Assistant taught participants how to make healthier food choices using MyPlate; how to save money at the grocery store, including menu planning; and how to coo
Author: Judy McGuire
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With COVID 19 not only effecting regular school in Floyd County it also had a big impact on summer school. With so many student’s needing extra time to complete assignments the only alternative was summer school. The teachers not only wanted the student’s to learn but to have fun doing it. The school contacted the EFNEP Assistant at the Floyd County Extension Office and ask for help making summer school a success for the student’s. Together they made plans to work with the kids
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Reda Fugate Perry County SNAP-ED Assistant Senior April 2021Perry County having several food Deserts. One of Perry County Elementary schools Collaborated with Perry County Extension office SNAP-ED Assistant Senior for a series of 6 lessons using University of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program Farm 2 School Curriculum. Due to pandemic Google classroom was used for meeting with students. Each week students were learning about the nutrition needed in daily diet, how important intake of the
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
2019 Center Disease and Control (CDC) reported Kentuckians consume one Fruits or less than 20% daily and less than 40% consume one Vegetable daily.Perry County Supplemental Nutrition Assistant program education (SNAP-ED) Assistant Senior partnered with a local elementary school family resource center for a series of 7 virtual Nutrition Education classes, using the platform of Facebook live.6 parent/caregivers join the virtual class. SNAP-ED assistant senior collecting Entry survey’s found
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Perry County being a food desert. A Pandemic/snow & Ice storm/Flooding in Perry County leaving more and more families food insecure. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant Senior through the University of Kentucky, partnered with Save the Children, Perry County fiscal Court, Perry County School System, and many more community partners to distribute over 40,000 food boxes throughout Perry. The information provided participants with the latest COVID-19 inf
Author: Judy McGuire
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
While observing a local ladies rehabilitation center, Hope in the Mountains, it was obvious that sugary drinks were quickly becoming a large part of their everyday diet. Mountain Dew, Coke and Pepsi seemed to be their chosen favorites. Some said they drink at least three or four 20 ounce sodas a day. The following week the Floyd County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEF) Senior Assistant taught a lesson on “Think Your Drink.” Asking a participant to add teaspoo
Author: Karen Denniston
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Each year the Bourbon County Extension Homemakers offer a nutrition education program entitled “Peter Rabbit - What’s a Rabbit to Do?” to every kindergarten class in the county during March, Nutrition Month. This program is offered in each classroom. The story of Peter Rabbit is read to the class, the skit of “What’s a Rabbit to Do?” is acted out (by Peter Rabbit and Mr. McGregor) and followed up with the students sampling vegetables that Mr. McGre
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 Pandemic many Bell County residents took interest in raising their own food and growing their own gardens.The Bell County Nutrition Education Program Assistant used the 2020 Fall Victory Garden Campaign to help educate local families how to raise food in small spaces using small containers, raised beds/flower beds and pallets.Seven families participated in the Victory Garden Campaign. Turnip, mustard, lettuce, carrots and spinach were a few of the seeds given to the families
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The adult obesity rate in Bell County is on the rise. According to the Kentuckyhealthfacts.org the percent of overweight adults from 2016-2018 was 79%.The Bell County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant teamed with the Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Agent to promote a program called Weigh to go Wednesday. By implementing the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum the NEP Assistant was able to educate the participants on the importance of making healthier food choices, portion contr
Author: Amanda Hardy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Feeding America 1 in 7 Kentuckians face hunger. One in six children face hunger. People facing hunger in Kentucky are estimated to report needing $302,792,000 more per year to meet their food needs. Knowing these statistics Henderson County has a food pantry called “Henderson Christian Community Outreach." In 2019, they were able to assist:5,915 families with food insecurities, 315 families with utility assistance, 200 families with rent assistance,
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Johnson SNAP-Ed Senior started an online group with a combination of 9 parents and grandparents. The first 4 classes were done through Messenger Rooms. Grab and Go bags were made up in advance each week for the upcoming lesson. Each participant could pick up their bag at their own convenience. After the 4th lesson we were given the go ahead to have in person classes with the compliance of the Covid19 regulations and all were excited to attend. Once we started meeting i
Author: Rachel Gillespie
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
As obesity rates continue to climb in the United States, with over 40% of the adult population and 19.3% of children and adolescents now classified as obese, addressing this public health crisis remains a primary objective for practitioners in Kentucky. The Central Appalachian region displays an even greater proportion of obese adults, 35%, compared to other regions across the US. Research has shown that inactivity and low physical activity levels contribute to higher rates of obesity and the de
Author: Sherry Ragsdale
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The lack of understanding of the food we eat and where that food comes from creates a disconnect for the young people in our community. One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person's awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life. The Oldham County 4-H Agent and the Nutrition Education Program assistant partnered with HighPoint Charitable Services to bring a gardening experience to 21 youth, 95% of which were of Hispanic ethnicity.The yo
Author: LaToya Drake
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Farmers’ markets benefit producers, consumers, and communities. The Farmers’ Market Coalition explains that farmers’ markets preserve America’s rural livelihoods and farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to fresh and nutritious foods, support healthy communities, and promote sustainability. During the COVID pandemic, with the disappearance of essential products from store shelves, local food sources were and are more important than ever. Eating local food m
Author: Cindy Maggard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In March 2020, COVID-19 hit our community shutting down many things. The Knott County Cooperative Extension Service addressed the need by media trainings to help Nutrition Education Program Assistants (NEP) reach their clients. The NEP assistant enrolled in these trainings to learn how to reach clients with online media and how to use ZOOM virtual classroom. Having a resource to provide services to Hickory Hill, a substance abuse inpatient recovery center, is vital to their rec
Author: Sarah Drysdale
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Air Fryers have become the newest kitchen appliance that is a must for those wanting to have their fried foods without all the saturated fats, salts, and cholesterol. To increase consumer awareness of the versatility of an air fryer, the Ballard County FCS agent hosted the All Things Air Fryer program. The program discussed the what an air fryer is, how it works, the health benefits, and all the uses. Along with comparing the appliance to traditional frying methods. FCS agent also gave a demonst
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In March 2020, COVID-19 hit our community shutting down many businesses. The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) addressed the need by media trainings to help NEP assistants reach their clients. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) Assistant enrolled in these trainings to learn how to use ZOOM virtual classroom to reach clients. Having a resource to provide services to Kentucky River Community Care Solutions, is vital to their recovery process. The Breathitt County SNAP-Ed
Author: Courtney Luecking
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life in early childhood can have lasting effects on brain development, learning, social interaction, and overall health. More than one of every six children living in South Central Kentucky do not have access to adequate resources for healthy foods during this critical period of development. Yet, approximately 30% of produced foods end up in a landfill. In response to a grant funding announcement to improve food security of chil
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Due to the Covid-19 related restrictions, Extension agents had to be creative in designing programs for the spring of 2021. The pandemic has brought many new challenges to families in Fulton County. However, one of the more positive outcomes has been a revival of home gardening and importance of family togetherness. The Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Science, 4-H and Youth Development all partnered together to d
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Although an agricultural region, when it comes to available fresh produce, Carlisle County is lacking. With no notable producers of local fruits or vegetables, there is no farmer's market available in the entire county. Two local supermarkets provide the only available fresh options within over 20 miles. With that in mind, Ag and FCS Extension recognized a need and opportunity to provide the community with education, resources, and a small start up project. Gardening T
Author: Angie York
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the Pennyrile Area of Kentucky, grain milling is a rich part of the agricultural history. In order to help Homemakers in the Pennyrile area better understand how wheat growth, production, and processing fit into the local food system, an area seminar entitled Mills to Meals was offered. The seminar was presented by the Pennyrile Area Homemakers in partnership with Alissa Keller from the Pennyroyal Area Museum in Hopkinsville who talked about the history of grist mills in Christi
Author: Benita Wade
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The SNAP-Ed assistant in Christian County taught the nutrition and health curriculum ‘Teen Cuisine’, to middle school students at a 3 week summer day camp. Of all subjects covered which included food safety, reading food labels and nutrition, the students were m
Author: Jacqueline Walters
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Feeding America projected Kentucky to be among the top ten most food insecure states in 2021, at 15.1%. As in the rest of the United States, food insecurity in Kentucky was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. During the previous year, many Kentucky families who had never experienced food insecurity previously found themselves relying on public assistance and food pantries for sustenance. Unfortunately, recipients of donated food often didn't know how to prepare what they
Author: Michele West
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Within the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education Program, educational program delivery faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. By embracing technology and adapting program materials and delivery methods, opportunities emerged for NEP Extension personnel to thrive. Among the modifications implemented included the expansion of the NEP public-interfacing website with new content and videos; translation of curricula from in-person to a virtual delivery format; and i
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In an effort to safely engage clientele in an exciting new way, the Fulton County Recipe Club was started. Only 8 percent of Kentucky adults eat enough fruit, and about 6 percent eat enough vegetables, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent report on U.S. fruit and vegetable consumption. Eating enough fruits and vegetables is an important lifestyle factor in the prevention against heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers and obesity. In re
Author: Alta Hutchison
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults eat at least 2 to 3 cups per day of vegetables as part of a healthy eating pattern. Data taken from CDC’s 2018 State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables states, only 6.3% of Kentucky adults meet the daily vegetable intake recommendation. With fruit and vegetable consumption being extremely low, the Wayne County Extension office decided to start a Victory Garden for a local adult daycare that
Author: Alta Hutchison
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
When the Covid 19 pandemic led to Healthy at Home and Healthy at Work guidelines the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant was not able to conduct face to face contacts with her families. A large percentage of her caseload work was at a local factory where she conducted lessons during their lunch hour. Most of her families have restricted phone use and only turn their phone on to accept calls at a late hour. They are text only during the day.Since it w
Author: Alta Hutchison
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With school being closed due to COVID 19, the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant wasn’t able to finish her last face-to-face lesson with the 224+ kindergarten students at Walker Early Learning Center and Immanuel Christian Academy. The EFNEP Assistant partnered with school principals, teachers, FCS Agent and Fine Arts Assistant to design and implement a Youtube video to cover the final early elementary lesson on dairy. Assistant read a dairy book and di
Author: Alta Hutchison
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
When the Covid 19 Pandemic hit, face to face contacts with clients had to cease for the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant. The EFNEP Assistant decided to focus on gardening. Wayne County had one school garden but there were none in the county for public use.Adanta Clinical wanted to work more hands on with their clients on gardening. Monticello Head Start wanted a raised bed where their children could see things growing and actually eat what they
Author: Rachel Gillespie
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kentuckians experienced a new medium of staying connected and developed a unique way of interacting with their local Cooperative Extension Offices and Agents. The Family Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension has gradually developed their online presence on social platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, as the importance and connectedness of these technologies evolved as well. However, the unprecedented shift the coronavirus pandemic forced families’ and individ
