Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Dorisa Johnson-Hickman
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Teen Cuisine with a Little GardeningDuring the pandemic we had to pivot our traditional learning from in-person to virtual. Working with Greater Joy Homeschool Co-op the Kenton County Nutrition Program Assistant was able to teach a six-part Teen Cuisine series with lessons such as You Are What You Eat, Find the Fat, and Watch Out for Added Sugars. The group excited about the recipes they got to experiment with inside the Teen Cuisine workbook, they also showed interest in gardening. Partner
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 pandemic causing a significant increase in demand for emergency food boxes as families continue to experience layoffs and cutbacks in Carlisle County. Carlisle County’s Senior Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant partnered with the Carlisle County Senior Citizens to get nutrition information and healthy recipes into food boxes for families in the community. Along with the Family and Consumer Science Agent, the SNAP-Ed Assistant went to t
Author: Joy Rose
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Wolfe County SNAP assistant was granted funds for a cooking program from the local Alcohol Substance Abuse Policy council. The SNAP Ed Assistant partnered with local substance abuse clinics and the local high school . Weekly recipes from the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum were selected. The ingredients were shopped for and included in grocery kits; along with an incentive related to the lesson. Additionally, our Family and Consumer Science agent provided mate
Author: Abigail Ewing
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, the Jefferson County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant had to adjust the format of the nutrition classes being offered. A new partnership with Goodwill's RISE (Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Everyday) program began in June 2020 virtually over the Zoom platform. The program is two weeks long and ends with a graduation ceremony where the participants share visions boards of their past, prese
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The 2018-19 State of Kentucky Childhood Obesity Report indicates that Kentucky Children rank number one in the nation for childhood obesity. In response, the Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant, in conjunction with the Butler County Extension Agent for 4H and Youth Development, worked to teach youth in Butler County to make healthy choices. During two weeks in May and June 2021 the Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught over 50 youth at
Author: Vanessa Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Menifee County SNAP-ED Assistant partnered with the Menifee County School District, to present six lessons from MyPlate and Eat Smart to Play Hard curriculum to twenty-five summer school students in grades k-5. Pre and post evaluations showed student improvements as follows: kids being active 67 %, healthy snacks 67%, vegetable identification 50%, dairy 50%, fruit identification 50 % , hand
Author: Dianne Hayward
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Cumberland County schools have offered a Summer feed Program over the past several years due to the fact that they are classified as a low income area with 72 % of families eligible for free and reduced meals.This year Cumberland County Extension office, ANR and FCS Agents and myself the Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the Cumberland County Food Services director to promote the Summer Feed Program where all school age children could collect food
Author: Dianne Hayward
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
How to teach low income, working parents of preschooler about healthy nutrition with their preschoolers and also having no physical contact with any children during our lock downs for covid was a challenge for me as a nutrition education program assistant with the Cumberland County extension office. Even at the best of times with no covid we had trouble reaching these families. The FCS agent and I went to the HANDS program with the Health department and they had events like baby showers and fall
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in the demand for emergency food boxes, as more families faced layoffs and cutbacks in Lawrence County. Lawrence County’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Senior Assistant partnered with community food banks to provide nutrition information and healthy recipes to individuals and families receiving assistance from local food banks. The food banks where information was distributed included God’s Food Pantry,
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
When COVID-19 hit all Nutrition Education Program (NEP) classes came to a halt to protect the health of clients. The Lawrence County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Senior Assistant started thinking about ways to reach clientele who would normally attend in-person Healthy Choices for Everybody classes. Not only were clients unable to attend classes on nutrition, but the unemployment rate jumped from 3.8% to 14.8%, creating a larger number of families with limited resou
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person lessons, demonstrations, and public relations events were the preferred method of reaching Lawrence County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) clients. With the exponential growth of the pandemic and need to reach clientele in innovative ways, the Lawrence County NEP Assistants created an educational Facebook page. Creating this page allowed NEP lessons and educational materials to continue to reach clientele while they were staying “Healthy at Home.
Author: Robin Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
As a result of the recent COVID-19 pandemic many Kentucky schools and childcare facilities had to offer virtual educational options during the 2020 – 2021 school year in an effort to combat the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus. As a result of not being able to attend school in-person these youth experienced situations where they were often required to care for and prepare meals and snacks for themselves. It is proven through various research that youth who possess basic cooking skills
Author: Robin Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that adults diagnosed with various developmental and intellectual disabilities are more likely to deal with co-morbidities such as obesity, smoking, heart disease and diabetes. In an effort to address these health concerns the Grayson County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with CommuniCare of Leitchfield, KY to provide nutrition education classes to this specific audience. The Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum was utilized to t
Author: Danielle Fairchild
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Lawrence County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) senior Assistant and the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent viewed the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to educate during a time of uncertainty. Their goal was to respond to food insecurity and the potential long-lasting effects of economic downturns. The SNAP-Ed senior Assistant and ANR Agent, in an effort to teach sustainability and self-sufficiency through gardening, mailed out over 1025 seed packe
Author: Danielle Fairchild
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Lawrence County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant partnered with Louisa East Elementary School Family Resource Youth Service Center (FRYSC) to provide Professor Popcorn with all 3rd – 5th grade students. In Kentucky, 23.8% of youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity, giving Kentucky a ranking of 1 among the 50 states and D.C. (stateofchildhoodobesity.org). The SNAP-Ed assistant taught 6 lessons to stress the importance of healthy eating and physical activi
Author: Danielle Fairchild
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in demand for emergency food boxes as more families faced layoffs and cutbacks in Lawrence County. Lawrence County’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) senior Assistant partnered with 3 food banks to get nutrition information and healthy recipes into food boxes for families in the community monthly. Sharing information and recipes from our Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum on how to store and prepare the
Author: Danielle Fairchild
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%, with this is mind, the Lawrence County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) senior Assistant started thinking about ways to reach the SNAP clientele who would normally attend in-person Healthy Choices for Every Body classes.Beginning in April 2020, various educational themed bags were assembled for families in the community. Families would pick up a Program on the Go bag
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The successful partnership between Pike County Cooperative Extension Service, The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), and West care Rehabilitation continues to provide healthy eating and lifestyle education so that clients can make better nutritional and physical activity choices. THE HEALTHY CHOICES FOR EVERYBODY curriculum teaches clients how to make healthy food choices; food portion sizes; healthier alternatives to fast and prepackaged meals; food preparation skills,
Author: Anita Boyd
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The holiday season is a time for celebrating, relaxing, and enjoying time with family and friends. The excess foods that the holiday season brings can take a toll on your health. According to HealthLine Health News, “The average American gains between 1 and 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas”. Considering that 42% of people in the United States are obese and 32% are overweight this is a serious health issue. We gain and keep an average of one
Author: Andrea Slone
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In 2019, the Floyd County Farmers’ Market became eligible to accept the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Vouchers. The Floyd County Extension Office became the distributor for this program and has continued through 2021 with the Family & Consumer Science and SNAP-ed Nutrition Education Program. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides redeemable vouchers for fresh, unprocesse
Author: Benita Wade
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to recent studies, 85% of consumers say that they have altered their eating habits as a result of the COVID pandemic. A report by Acosta found that nearly 2/3 of shoppers cooked at home more during
Author: Benita Wade
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Studies show that students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance, and classroom behaviors. Yet only 24% of children 6 to 17 years of age participate in 60 minutes of physical activity every day.The SNAP-Ed assistant in Christian County
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Johnson County Senior SNAP-Ed Assistant collaborated with the Johnson County Health Department and Farmers Market, to create a new video series titled, Food for Thought. We shopped the market weekly throughout the summer and made healthy food recipe demos. The eight videos reached at least 13103 people and because of the popularity of the videos, the Senior SNAP-Ed assistant was able to create a condensed program that would be taught in a 3-week span, covering all of the Healthy Choices requ
Author: Benita Wade
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Snap-Ed assistant in Christian County teaches the Healthy Choices for Every Body in a women’s recovery facility. In general, the women are enthusiastic and attentive during the classes and seem appreciative of all efforts on the part of the assistant.To test knowledge
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Reda E. FugateSNAP-ED Assistant SeniorPerry County, KYWhat Happens When You Give a Kid a Seed?The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant Senior in Perry County partnered with the University of Kentucky Health Care Program to distribute seeds and gardening materials for Victory Gardens in Perry County during the pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on employment, food insecurity had greatly increased in the county. Also, the pandemic necessitated
Author: Viola Wood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Small steps for Big Changes Dehydration is a health concern for everyone, especially for mentally challenged adults who often just drink whatever they’re in the habit of drinking. Dehydration can lead to serious health complications. The clients at the Opportunity Center often fail to recognize the early signs of dehydration and the connection between drinking water and their overall health. The Supplemental Nutrition Education assistant from Muhlenberg County offers the H
Author: Benita Wade
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the 2020 report by the Kentucky office of drug control policy, “substance abuse remains one of the most critical public health and safety issues facing Kentucky”.Studies indicate that as many as 88% of people who struggle with chronic substance
Author: Cindy Maggard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Grab and Go When COVID hit and all classes came to a halt and the unemployment rate jumped from 3.9% to 10.3% the Knott County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant started thinking of ways to reach the SNAP clientele who would normally attend in-person Healthy Choices for Everybody Classes. Beginning in April 2020, various themed bags were assembled for families in Knott communities. A total of 5 different bags were made. The assistant fixed the bags and had familie
Author: Cindy Maggard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Knott County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant contributed to the county in many ways. Over 3,000 helpful handouts about the virus, handwashing, children’s activities, nutritional information and recipes were passed out at the local LKLP office. In addition, the SNAP-Ed assistant provided health information via the county’s Nutrition Education Program Facebook page to help establish clients and
Author: Bethony Morris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
February 9, 2021 Hancock County Cooperative Extension Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant (EFNEP) was told they could start in person programing again! EFNEP reached out to a local elementary school about coming in person to start nutrition programing again. With both EFNEP and the school following the covid guide lines, we were able to start meeting. EFNEP decided a great way to keep germs from spreading was to ask the physical education teacher if he want
Author: Marcia Moss
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Due to the coronavirus continuing into 2021, all in-person nutrition education classes continue to be on hold for the Bullitt County Nutrition Education Program. In order to reach out to the community a Facebook page was utilized even more by posting nutrition related 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 in-person classes were being taught. This effort to keep in touch with current clients an
Author: Bethony Morris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Germs are everywhere, is the statement the Expanded Food Nutrition Program Assistant (EFNEP) from the Hancock County Cooperative Extension office used serval times while working with kindergarten-second graders. Several of the students thought they only needed to wash their hands after being inside a restroom. During the program with the students, EFNEP talked about all the times during the day a person should wash their hands. We discussed how each time you wash your hands it s
Author: Marcia Moss
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Senior Assistant of the Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service had to get creative to offer programming with community partners. Working with the Mount Washington Public Library, the NEP Assistant collaborated to offer the Healthy Choices for Everybody series over Zoom.Six participants attended the classes that included tips for physical activity, My Plate, Food Safety, Breakfast, Budgeting, Meal Planning, How to Read Nutri
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Dietary Guidelines of 2015–2020, in the United States, 90% of children are not meeting their daily vegetable needs. In Kentucky, only 4.7% of adults are getting in their proper servings of fruits and vegetables a day. When encouraging school age children to try new foods, especially fruits and vegetables, most adults are met with an emphatic “EW!”. This is where having a tool such as Professor Popcorn in your arsenal becomes a great ass
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
When planning meals for your family, it can be difficult to think of something to fix them every day, of every week, of every month. The Daviess County Nutrition Program (NEP) SNAP-Ed Assistant, along with the Daviess County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, created a program to help solve the daily task of meal planning. Together, they created the Recipe Club. Each month, Recipe Club participants are sent 2 – 4 recipes featuring PlateItUp! Kentucky Proud recipes, and i
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
When an agency is in the people business, and things shut down, reaching your audience becomes a challenge. For the Daviess County Nutrition Education Program, this was the case. In order to reach the community, the Daviess County Nutrition Education Program formed a new partnership with the Daviess County Public Library to offer community education programs online. The Daviess County Public Library provides a platform that
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of programs to change this past year. One of those program alterations was the start of Grab and Go kits. What started as a weekly offering, has now turned into an ongoing monthly partnership with other program areas in the Daviess County Cooperative Extension office. Monthly Grab and Go kits have been provided to our community from October – March, reaching 265 adults and 171 kids.
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, Kentucky is the least physically active state in the nation. The risk factors of poor nutrition and physical inactivity begin early in life. The Bogalusa Heart Study indicated that children as young as 2 years old were already consuming a high-fat, high-sodium, and low-fiber diet. Furthermore, the percentage of children and adolescents who are overweight has more than doubled in the past 30 years.The Lawrence County
Author: Brad Stone
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Lewis County seniors always enjoy monthly nutrition lessons presented by the Lewis County Snap-Ed Program Assistant in partnership with the Gateway Community Action Center. As a result of the pandemic however; in person meetings were halted. While this posed an obstacle, it was one that the Lewis County Snap-Ed assistant and the director of the Gateway Community Action (GCA) Center where willing to work to find a solution in an effort to still place vital nutrition & physical act
Author: Sarah Spears
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Food safety education is one of many subjects that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program emphasizes. While it is a suitable topic for all ages to learn, food safety education is particularly important for growing children. Kids do not automatically know how to be safe in the kitchen; they have to be taught. Practicing food safety ensures that we all grow to be healthy and safe.This summer, the Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program partne
Author: Sarah Spears
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program partnered with Mountain Comprehensive Care’s Auxier Greenhouse this year. The Auxier Greenhouse is a program around the area that provides supportive instruction to developmentally and intellectually disabled adults, all in a positive environment. The program typically grows and sells a variety of locally grown vegetable plants, house plants, annual flowers, perennials, trees and shrubs. In doing all th
Author: Joel Worth
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Cooking meals at home can help individuals eat healthier by consuming fewer carbohydrates, less sugar and less fat (John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, 2014). Many of the men in substance recovery programs are single and they chose to eat fast food because it is fast and convenient, and some have never cooked. Having them cook healthy recipes in groups is a great introduction to learning how to follow recipes and gaining the confidence to cook their own meals. A seven
Author: Joel Worth
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The American Heart Association states “People who are physically active and at a healthy weight live about seven years longer than those who are not active and are obese.” Many Recovery Centers lack opportunities for physical activity, but they have walking, running, and personal exercise, like calisthenics available to them. A seven-week program using the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum was presented by a Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Services SNAP
Author: Joel Worth
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021, in-person programming was not always possible due to social distancing requirements. Social media and virtual platforms like Zoom and Google Meet allowed the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) to reach SNAP eligible clientele in a different way. The SNAP-Ed Assistant taught seven groups at a men’s substance recovery center using an online meeting platform due to covid re
Author: Joel Worth
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID pandemic brought changes and challenges as to how the Jefferson County Extension Service delivered programs to the public. Technology has played an even larger role during these times, specifically online platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. The Jefferson County Horticulture Agent and SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) Assistant took on that challenge and created the Garden to Table Video Series. Videos on asparagus, broccoli, strawberries, toma
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Johnson County Senior SNAP-Ed Assistant and the Johnson County ANR Assistant partnered with Grow Appalachia to teach families gardening skills, heart healthy cooking, and options for harvesting and preserving vegetables. Monthly meetings were held from January 2021 through September 2021. Thirty-two (32) families enrolled and participated in the program. Families were provided seeds, gardening tools, canning jars, and accessories. Six (6) pressure canners were also given out in a drawi
Author: Laykin Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
SNAP-ED programming during 2021 continued to be virtually due to the pandemic. Classes were offered on Facebook for adults using the Healthy Choice Classes. When the in person classes were permitted to begin again, classes were resumed at the senior citizens center and Hazel Hills Recovery, but have not been completed as the senior citizens center closed back down with the increase of COVID-19 cases again. Due to mask mandate for Kentucky State University employees and poor adherence of wearing
Author: Jessica Reed
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the National Council on Aging, there are more than 25 million Americans living in poverty over age 55. These seniors are living on an annual income that is at or below the federal poverty level. According to https://aspe.hhs.gov, the federal poverty income level in 2021 for a single individual is $12,880. However, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities claims 97% of seniors receive social security and 43% of seniors living along, leaving them only depending on their total i
Author: Anita Jones
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Census.gov website, Carter County has a population of 26,797 people. When COVID first hit in February of 2020, programming for the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant Senior came to a screeching halt. Everything shut down, nothing had ever happened like this in history. To reach targeted audiences, one must think of new ways- we must go virtual. The NEP Assistant Senior recorded lessons and emailed them to participants and would then do follow-up
Author: Anita Jones
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Carter County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant Senior dealt with a year unlike any other. Most years she is out in the community teaching lessons & doing programming. However, due to COVID, she still has places that have not re-opened, and does not know when they will. Therefore, she resulted to Grab & Go Bags to reach her audience. These bags included a lesson from the Healthy Choices for Everybody Curriculum that the NEP Assistant teaches from,
Author: Anita Jones
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In Kentucky Child Poverty rate is 20.9% and the national average is 16.8%. The Food Insecurity rate in Kentucky is 14.7% and the national average is 11.7%. The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant Senior Partnered with her County Extension Agent to work with local youth so that they might learn to grow their own gardens. Although, a small group of only 2 youth took advantage of this wonderful opportunity, they now can grow their own plants, and raise a garden. This
Author: Anita Jones
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Carter County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant Senior visits various schools in Carter and one school in Elliott County. The NEP assistant goes once a month and reads a book to the students with the Literacy, Eating, Activity for Primary (LEAP) Program. Each time she visits the student’s sample something new. When sampling each new thing, one thing that had a significant impact for first time triers was go-gurt. There are a total of 274 students, 71
Author: Joni Phelps
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During COVID-19 the Caldwell County SNAP-Ed Senior Assistant utilized virtual resources as a way to reach limited resource audiences in Caldwell County. With the utilization of Facebook, the SNAP-ED Senior 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 county Facebook page Caldwell County Nutrition Education Program, she was able to reach a larger number of Caldwell County residents including many families,
Author: Joni Phelps
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Food Insecurity Data for Caldwell County, Kentucky, 15.6% of the population experiences food insecurity. To combat this hunger issue, The Feeding America Kentucky Heartland and Christ Tabernacle Food Pantry serves Caldwell County residents on a weekly basis. In addition to providing a variety of supplemental food for over 200 Caldwell County residents each week, the food pantry also delivers Senior Commodity Food boxes. Each month volunteers pack over 300 family boxe
Author: Sandra Kennedy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
At the start of summer comes along the opportunity to build a strong partnership with Summer Camps sponsored by the Clark County Parks and Rec. Veronica Brown, a teacher for the Clark County Public Schools contacted the NEP program assistant for nutrition programing for her campers. Our assistant taught the LEAP curriculum using designated books for each individual lesson, Jack and the Hungry Giant, , Groundhogs Garden, Eating the Alphabet and Germs are not for sharing. Each story touched base o
Author: Rachel Price
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
SNAP ED programming continues virtually in Rowan County Schools due to the high risk of Covid-19. Covid-19 has affectedpeople in many ways, but being healthy and active increases the immune system and decreases the effect of Covid-19 according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). SNAP-ED classes promote healthy eating and lifestyle beginning at an early age and partnered with two Rowan County Elementary Schools to continue
Author: Teresa King
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The need for food assistance in Meade County significantly increased with the onset of Covid-19. Several of the food pantries were overwhelmed with people from the community that faced layoffs and the need to stay home with their children. The Meade County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Journey Church and Feeding America to assist with the start of a mass monthly food distribution. Each month the assistant provides recipes and United States Department of A
Author: Teresa King
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The number of meals being prepared at home have been declining throughout the past years. When Covid-19 guidelines closed restaurants, families began preparing their meals at home more frequently. Due to the convenience, several households relied on frozen meals and/or ready-to-eat meals from the grocery store. Processed foods can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. Cooking from scratch is a healthier option.To help encourage families to prepare healthier options, the Meade County Expand
Author: Teresa King
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the State of Childhood Obesity website, Kentucky is ranked #1 in obesity of youth, ages 10 to 17, with a rate of 23.8%. The lack of physical activity is one of the contributors to this problem. The use of electronics has increased tremendously and is also an issue.To improve the frequency of physical activity within this age group the Meade County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Flaherty Elementary School. The assistant conducted a Professor Po
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The 2017 article, The importance of nutrition in aiding recovery from substance use disorders: A review, in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence concluded, “…. nutrition should be an important part of the treatment of substance use disorders; however, it is not given much consideration in treatment guidelines, despite evidence that recovery outcomes can be improved by nutrition therapy and well-balanced nutrient intake.” The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assis
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Feeding America.org, Butler County’s food insecurity rate is 16.3%. Food insecurity is defined as lack of access to enough food for all members of a household to maintain health. It can be due to economic or social conditions limiting access to adequate foods. The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant along with The Department of Community Based Services, and the Butler County Family and Consumer Science Agent added Nutrition Education to the requirements of limi
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Goodwill RISE (Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day) offers paid job-readiness training that paves the way back to employment for individuals with a criminal history. Goodwill RISE collaborated with Warren County SNAP Education Assistant to provide nutrition education to the enrolled workers. This program would be part of their job training. The Healthy Choices for Everybody Curriculum was used to teach a variety of lessons like, food budgeting, food safety, meal planning, ret
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention only 1 and 10 adults, consume the daily recommended 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 and in-person workshops on the following topics Meal Planning, How to Read Food Labels, Understanding MyPlate, Food Safe
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality, Kentucky has one of the highest prevalences of pediatric obesity in the nation. Childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term serious health impacts. In an effort to fight childhood obesity in Warren County, the SNAP Education Assistant collaborated with local elementary schools in Warren County to teach students about healthy eating and gardening.The SNAP Education Assistant taught the Professor Popcorn Curr
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Warren County Extension Office SNAP Education Assistant and Agents 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 themed bags full of educational materials, family activities, recipes, and more for Warren County residents to enjoy. These bags were created to uplift the spirits of people in Warren County during the COVID 19 Pan
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Center for Disease Control, 36.3 percent of children in LaRue County Kentucky eat fast food daily which contributes to an obesity rate of 44 percent.LaRue County Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) Assistant conducted a series of seven classes with eleven LaRue County High School Functionally Mentally Disabled Students. The goal with them was improving their overall knowledge of nutrition, increasing physical activity and importance of hygiene and
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
LaRue County Kentucky has an adult food insecurity rate of 13.2 percent with 17 percent being SNAP eligible according to Kentuckyhealthfacts.org.LaRue County Farmers Market operated weekly for 9 weeks.LaRue County Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Program ( EFNEP) Assistant and Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent distributed Senior Farmers Market Vouchers from Kentucky Department of Agriculture worth 48.00 each to 80 senior adults along with recipes to prepa
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Cool School is a week long summer school program coordinated by LaRue County Family Resource Youth Service Center. LaRue County Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant Conducted a series of classes with 65 LaRue County Elementary School Students in grades 1 through 5. The goal was to improve their eating habits, reduce consumption of fast food and increase awareness of Food Safety. Classes on My plate, Food Safety and Hand Washing were taught to encour
Author: Patricia Holbert
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Shepherds Pie Food Pantry in Magnolia Kentucky serves an average of 247 families equaling 865 people per week in LaRue and surrounding counties.The number of families served has increased by more than 200 percent with Covid-19.LaRue County Kentucky has an obesity rate of 36 percent with 16.3 percent being at or below poverty level according to data from Kentuckyhealthfacts.org.17 percent are food insecure according to data from Feeding AmericaThe LaRue County Extension Service Expanded Food and
Author: Karen Denniston
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Bourbon County Extension Service was fortunate to receive a 2021 Agriculture Mini Grant through the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. This grant was a $1000 grant that required matching funds. The Extension Office decided to use these funds to promote gardening among youth and families. 4-H, FCS, Horticulture/Ag and SNAP/NEP partnered in this interdisciplinary program to teach gardening skills, the value of growing your own food, simple food preparation skills, nutrition, the econ
Author: Janie Oliver
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Knott County is a poverty stricken community with 100% of the youth in schools receiving free lunch. In Kentucky, 23.8% of youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity, giving Kentucky a ranking of 1 among the 50 provide nutrition related classes during summer school to help combat this issue.The NEP assistant used information from the Professor Popcorn curriculum and USDA to provide hands on nutrition lessons and activities to the youth. One activity involved making a fruit bouquet out of several dif
Author: Janie Oliver
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In 2020, 41% of Knott County’s adult population was considered obese and 40% were considered physically inactive. Evidence shows regular physical activity and healthy eating habits help people achieve and maintain good health while reducing the risk of chronic disease. The Knott County Health and Wellness Center serves adults in Knott County with intellectual disabilities. The director of the center contacted the Nutrition Education Program assistant and ask for nutrition related clas
Author: Janie Oliver
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Feeding Families One Box at a Time During the Coronavirus Pandemic, many families were laid off or lost their jobs completely. Losing income meant they would have a harder time putting food on the table. The Knott County Nutrition Education Assistant partnered with Save the Children, Knott County Schools, and the USDA to provide Farmers to Families food boxes to all residents of Knott County. Each week, 2000 boxes were distributed containing nutritious foods from the five food groups.
Author: Janie Oliver
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Nutrition and Read Across America WeekDuring the pandemic, The Nutrition Education Program Assistant learned to utilize virtual programming to reach the youth audience. During Read Across America Week, The NEP assistant partnered with the Family Resource Center at Carr Creek Elementary to provide a Dr. Seuss story and a short lesson on nutrition. The NEP assistant read a new book published by Random House and the Partnership for a Healthier America organization entitled “Oh the Things you
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to countyhealthrankings.org, 16 percent of Butler County residents are food insecure. It is the goal of the Butler County Nutrition Education Program to help lower this statistic through education. The NEP assistant collaborated with Community Action of Southern Kentucky to reach this audience monthly.Each month the Butler County Community Service Coordinator sent the Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant a list of what food would be distributed to the residents of Butler
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Success Story #1 Partnership with Serenity Center Dare to Care food bank8/17/2021 Beth Maxedon, Nutrition Education Program Assistant1117 Frankfort Road, Shelbyville, KY 40065(502)633-4593On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (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. Many families in Shelby County faced unemployment and
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
9/28/2021 NEP Success Stories #2 Virtual Adult Curriculum DeliveryBeth Maxedon, Nutrition Education Program Assistant1117 Frankfort Road, Shelbyville, KY 40065(502)633-4593With COVID-19 pandemic shutting down in person classes in March of 2020, face to face meeting would no longer be safe. The Shelby County Cooperative Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program-Education Assistant decided to continue her partnership with Whitney Moore Young Jr. Job Corps Center to a virtual G
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; public events, lessons, and demonstrations were the desired method of reaching clients in the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) but then the world shut down. The Wolfe County Nutrition Education Program’s Facebook page was updated to add additional ways of reaching clientele who were staying healthy at home.Appropriate content was added daily and the number of individuals visiting the Facebook page has increased by 61% since March of 2020. Individuals are gi
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Delivery of nutrition education in person came to a halt in 2020, which caused a multitude of challenges we had to face due to the COIVID-19 pandemic. In spite of all the chaos, the Wolfe County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) Senior Assistant partnered with the Wolfe County Cooperative Extension Service and followed the guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and created a plan to have an in person day camp for the youth of Wolfe County. An outdoor
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 pandemic, in person classes were unsafe to attend. The Wolfe County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) senior assistant decided to partner with the Kentucky Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP) and offered classes through virtual platforms.The assistant created a private Facebook group, which was the simplest way to provide educational content to participants. The senior assistant received a $500 grant to purchase ingredients for ten families to
Author: Brad Stone
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
One of the major health issues residents of Kentucky suffer from is heart disease, most often induced by an unhealthy diet and obesity. Kentucky ranks 5th in the US for obesity occurrence with a staggering 36.6% of residents being reported as obese. This prompted the Lewis County Snap Ed Program Assistant to partner with Grace Baptist Church in Garrison, KY to present the Healthy Choices for Everybody program using their fellowship hall as the meeting room.Twenty four participants gr
Author: Brenda Cockerham
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Kentucky Apple Festival has been a county tradition in excess of 50 years. Due to high Covid outbreaks, the Apple Board postponed the event until 2022. Schools began planning events within their schools instead. FCS was requested to come to one school and deliver something on apples to the entire schools, one classroom at a time- with classes being held in the gym. The FCS agent prepared a program that covered the history, the anatomy, the cultural background and the nutrient content of appl
Author: Lakesha Reams
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the CDC, “nutrition education is a vital part of a comprehensive health education program and empowers children with knowledge and skills to make healthy food and beverage choices” (CDC, Nutrition Education in US Schools, 2021). The COVID pandemic limited opportunities for in-person nutrition education programming with youth. To provide this valuable opportunity, the Jefferson County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant partnered with an elementary
Author: Stacy Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the age of technology, it is important to utilize the resources available to help spread researched, evidence-based information that can have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of individuals and families. The Clinton County Nutrition Education Program through the University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Program, along with the Clinton County School Districts 21st Century Community Club pulled their resources together to create an innovative, fun & highly educationa
Author: Stacy Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Covid 19 brought many challenges to people around the world, and some of those challenges were hard felt by many school districts. With virtual classes, six-foot distancing and no common area gatherings, the 2020-2021 school year has been anything but normal. It has, however, given us a chance to think outside the box to help reach today’s youth. The Clinton County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the science teachers at the Clinton County Middle Scho
Author: Stacy Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With continued COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainties, the Clinton County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant decided face-to-face classes were no longer the safest way to reach clients and deliver programs. The SNAP-Ed Assistant, using innovation and a newly developed skillset, started offering virtual programming to clients. Lessons utilized resources from the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum: a curriculum that focuses on providing opportuniti
Author: Stacy Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the KIDS COUNT Data Center, 21.8% of children in Clinton County, Kentucky live in food insecure households for 2018 and beyond. To address food insecurity, the Clinton County Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) paraprofessional conducted a variety of learning opportunities for low-income families across multiple learning platforms due to ever-changing Covid restrictions throughout the 2020-2021 program year. These opportunities consisted of 7
Author: Lakesha Reams
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Budgeting enough money for food expenses can be a challenge, especially for those with limited resources. Spending a little time each week planning meals can save time, money and effort. The Jefferson County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant partnered with a recovery center for women for a 7-week virtual nutrition education program using the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum. The program aims to provide nutrition education as well as food resource management education for i
Author: Juanita Herron
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the past the Marion County Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant had the ability to reach clients by doing in-person lessons and demonstrations. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit many of us had to think outside of the box to come up with a new way to reach clients who were either staying healthy by limiting the number of people that they physically came in contact with. We are very fortunate that the Marion County Cooperative Extension Office Facebook page could be used to reach cl
Author: Juanita Herron
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the pandemic the Marion County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant was asked to contribute to a summer program involving students from local schools. The Nutrition Assistant teamed up with the Family Resource Coordinator at the school. The theme of the day camp was “Eating Healthy & Get Moving.” The Nutrition Assistant provided resources about My Plate so that the students can be educated on the different food groups and how much of each food they neede
Author: Andrea Munoz
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In Whitley County, 26% of children are living in poverty. (Ref: www.countyhealthrankings.org ). This is quite a higher percentage as per the national and Kentucky values for children living under poverty lines. The percentage of children living in poverty ranges from 17% to 31%, varying by racial and ethnic groups. Whitley County SNAP-Ed has been doing summer camps for teaching basic cooking skills to children. SNAP-Ed uses the Rookie Cooking Camp (RCC) curriculum that includes four pi
Author: Whitney Paige Alexander
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the year 2020 most families spent more time together at home due to the global pandemic and restrictions. With restaurants staying closed to indoor dining, carryout only option and sparse shelves at the grocery stores at times, families had to become creative with family time and meals. According to American Health Rankings Kentucky had an unemployment rate of 4.9 % and poverty rate of 16.2 % in 2020. The Logan County Extension office joined efforts together from Family & Consume
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Breathitt County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant contributed to the county in many ways. Over 7,900 handouts about handwashing, children’s activities, food safety, COVID-19, recipe cards, and nutrition information were distributed out at school’s backpack programs, food distribution centers, Head Start, and other various locations throughout Breathitt County. In addition, the SNAP-Ed Assistant provided nutritio
Author: Whitney Paige Alexander
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Barren River District Health Department, based on the 2016-2018 data gathered, Kentucky has an obesity rate of thirty-five percent; whereas Logan County’s obesity rate is thirty-eight percent. Logan County Family Consumer Science Agent and Logan County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Educator partnered together to offer a program at the Logan County Cooperative Extension Wellness Center. The Family Consumer Science Agent and Nutrition Assistant partnered together
Author: Heather Shaw
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2019 data from the State of Childhood Obesity, Kentucky ranks #1 in childhood obesity for kids aged 10-17 years old. High obesity rates have been linked to many health problems including heart disease. In order to address this serious issue, the public library teamed up with the county extension office. The library helped recruit youth from the summer reading program. They also provided some funds for the class to take place. A member from the library staff w
Author: Heather Shaw
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges as extension was no longer able to conduct programming in the school in Metcalfe County. Child poverty is prevalent in this rural county, with 37% of children considered to be living in poverty according to www.kidscounty.org. Also, almost a quarter of all children there are living in food insecure households. The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program) Education Assistant did not want to lose connection with students here, so she took this
Author: Heather Shaw
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Cooking is a life skill. The 21st century after school program director in Metcalfe County would agree. She has partnered with the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program) Program Assistant for several years to make sure this life skill gets taught to her students every school year. This year proved more challenging as the rules changed regarding entering school buildings due to Covid threats. To combat this issue, the SNAP Assistant and Program Director decided to
Author: Jhamicah Harbut
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
One of the great ways Kentucky State University (KYSU) is able to provide services to enhance community development is through nutrition education centered on changing unhealthy eating behaviors/ habits. Through the Cooperative Extension program and the federally funded grant Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), KYSU provides low-income families and youth with nutrition education to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related health challenges. Extension Assistant Jhamicah Har
Author: Connie Downey
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2016 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 46.2 percent of adults in Kentucky reported consuming fruit less than one time daily. The Clay County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) assistant for SNAP eligible individuals using the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum partnered with the Big Creek Parent Group to address this issue. Due to COVID restrictions the program was conducted virtually via ZO
Author: Connie Downey
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2016 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 24.9 percent of adults in Kentucky reported consuming vegetables less than one time daily. The Clay County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) assistant for SNAP eligible individuals using the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum created a Facebook group for individuals in Clay County to access the program due to COVID restrictions.There were seven p
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: Cheryl Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, when one would think of virtual classes, it usually entailed thoughts of adults being able to take online college courses while still being able to continue their normal day to day routine. Many public places one used to frequent without thinking anything about it, was drastically coming to a screeching halt! According to the United States Census Bureau, The COVID-19 pandemic was dramatically affecting the education field, and it wasn’t our typical col
Author: Cheryl Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
As Extension Program Assistants, one never knows what speed bump they may have to cross. That is why one needs to be flexible in their programming and be ready to help see that the program they work in, is always one that people requests and want to participate in. With that being said, the local substance abuse rehab, had a few hurdles of their own. One entailed having to get used to three different directors throughout the past year. As the assistant worked with each &
Author: Laura Milburn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to kentuckyhealthfacts.org, reports that 22% of Washington County residents report having hypertension and being physically unhealthy at least 5 days a month.To combat these numbers the Washington County Family Consumer Science agent and the Supplemental Nutrition Education Program Assistant (SNAP-Ed) offered a Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle course titled Biggest Winner: Goals Edition.On-line Facebook LIVE nutrition videos and recipe demonstrations were held weekly for 3 months.  
Author: Laura Milburn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
One of the goals of the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) is to provide nutrition information to the residents of Kentucky. As a result of COVID-19, delivery methods for NEP were altered drastically. In-person classes were canceled because of COVID restrictions. On-Line and Facebook LIVE classes were the best way for the Washington County SNAP-Ed Program Assistant to reach participants. The Kentucky NEP develops an annual recipe calendar full of healthy, easy to prepare recipe
Author: Viola Wood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The 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 twenty five limited resource families how to serve more
Author: Emily Matthews
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Feeding America 1 in 7 Barren County Residents are food insecure, meaning they likely do not know where their next meal will come from. To alleviate issues with the food insecurity in Barren County, Feeding America has two Barren County TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) distributions monthly.The Barren County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) assistant began working with both Barren County Feeding America TEFAP Di
Author: Emily Matthews
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the State of Childhood Obesity, 23.8% of youth ages 10-17 have obesity. To help combat this issue, The Barren County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with multiple area summer camps to conduct Nutrition Education programming. The Barren County Nutrition Education Program partnered with The Boys and Girls Club of Glasgow, Cave City Headstart, Glasgow Independent School’s Preschool Academy, Caverna Independent Schools Summer Scholars, and Barren County Schools Sum
Author: Emily Matthews
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Zephoria Digital marketing there are over 3.51 billion people actively using Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Messenger each month. To use the communication channel of social media to reach potential community agency partners and participants, The Barren County Nutrition Education Program Assistant continued updating information to the Barren County Nutrition Education Facebook page throughout the 2020-2021 program year. The total estimated reach for the Barren County Nutrition Edu
Author: Emily Matthews
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Center for Disease Control, only 8.0% of Kentuckians surveyed were consuming recommended fruit intake, while only 6.3% were consuming the recommended vegetable intake. The Barren County SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Education Program Education) Assistant partnered with Community Action of Southern Kentucky’s Glasgow Senior Center location to help with meal distribution. The partnership allowed the Barren County SNAP-Ed Program Assistant and the newly hired Senior Center
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the spring of 2021, the Family Support Supervisor for Every Child Succeeds (ECS), a program provided by the Brighton Center, contacted the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant of the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service about doing a healthy snacks program for parents and their children. The goal of Brighton Center is to help families reach self-sufficiency through family support services, education, employment, and leadership. The virtual program for parents and chi
Author: Angela Baldauff
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The opioid crisis in northern Kentucky has often been referred to as an epidemic. According to an article from Spectrum News, Kentucky overdose deaths increased by 53% during the COVID 19 pandemic, which is the second largest increase in the nation. For several years the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Senior Assistant from the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service has been working with people who are seeking treatment from substance use disorders by teaching them the importance of
Author: Clarissa Cheatwood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In Jefferson County, community centers serve as a safe place for limited resource youth during the summer when schools not in session. Many of these community centers are in low income areas with little to no access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Because of this, many of the youth are used to eating a lot of salty snacks and fast food. For years, the Nutrition Education Program Assistant from the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service has provided weekly nutrition educ
Author: Velma Mullins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Many Laurel County Seniors live on a limited food budget that does not allow much money to be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported that only about twelve percent of adults in Kentucky meet the recommendation of daily intake of fruits and only about nine percent meet recommended vegetable intake. A large body of evidence shows that healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can help people maintain good health and reduce the r
Author: Velma Mullins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the United States Census, Kentucky has a higher percentage of poverty and food insecurity among its population compared to the census estimate for the United States. In 2016, an estimated over thirteen thousand Laurel County residents lived in poverty and over four thousand were youth under eighteen. This represents a twenty and one half percent increase in total poverty and almost twelve percent poverty increase in children since 2008. The Expanded Food and Nutrit
Author: Clarissa Cheatwood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In Jefferson County there is a large residential recovery center for women. Because of substance use and other circumstances, often these women have not been eating balanced meals or had access to fresh fruits and vegetables in the areas they live in. These women were interested in learning about cooking healthy meals, how much they should eat and preparing healthy snacks. They had concerns about eating less sugar, sodium and fats , due to health issues. They were eating
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The clients at The Chrysalis House, an immersive, in-patient drug rehabilitation center, each day is about learning how to live a clean and healthy life by implementing self-care routines such as group meals and meetings as well as educational programming targeting their subsequent reintegration to independent living. To aid in this learning process the Fayette County Nutrition Education Program offers clients in person nutrition classes as well as hands-n training regarding food safety and prep
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the 2021 program year the Fayette County Nutrition Education Program Senior Assistant began working with the Goodwill RISE (Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day) Program. Together they offered virtual classes using Zoom meetings as well as the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum to teach life skills and employment skills to individuals with disabilities or other employment disadvantages. Throughout the 2 week course the students focused on the importance of a healthy diet
Author: Marian Stacy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Madison County Backpack Program was designed to provide an underserved community of children with shelf stable snacks as a way of feeding themselves through days that they have no access to food. God’s Outreach in Richmond as well as several local churches pack over one thousand backpacks with enough snack food to last each child one month of non-school days. The Snap-Ed Assistant Senior in Madison County has tried for several years to collaborate with the Backpack Program with no succ
Author: Marian Stacy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Upon completion of a successful cooking club, Clark Moores Middle School asked the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant Senior in Madison County to lead a Life Skills class for their youth audience. This Life Skills class included: proper measuring, food safety, basic cooking terms and techniques, MyPlate, whole grains, Think Your Drink, and table etiquette as this age group of youth seem to have a great need for these basic skills. There were three boys and th
Author: Karen Grant
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Madison Middle School Resource Center director contacted the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service to collaborate with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education program assistant. Our families are at a higher risk more than ever for obesity.The Center for Disease Control lists obesity as one of the underlying risk factors for severe consequences from Covid 19. With all the challenges of education this Covid year we formed an educational and fun microwave cooking club. Nutrition less
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, nutrition programming in Lincoln County has been greatly affected for all age groups, one of which is elementary age students. No outside visitors were allowed in schools for the entirety of the 2020/2021 school year. Finally, during summer school, in-person programming was able to be safely carried out using some creative changes in usual teaching methods. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the Family Resource
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, many programming and enrichment opportunities have been taken away or greatly altered for the citizens of Lincoln County. One demographic which has been particularly affected by this change is the elderly. Approximately 125 people in this age group previously attended the Lincoln County Senior Citizen Center which has had to cease daily activities since March of 2020. Many socially fulfilling and educational programs were held here, including
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the summer of 2021, a program was held by the Nutrition Education Program Assistant in Lincoln/Boyle Counties at Danville Housing Authority to help spark engagement among residents and improve skills relating to nutrition and resource management. The class was initially 7 lessons long, meeting every week at the Toombs Court Community Room and using the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum. The class was very productive and yielded numerous positive results. This group was ext
Author: Stacey Stephens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Stacey StephensHarrison County COVID-19 brought in person classes to a halt and brought changes to how the local food pantry interacted with clients for 2021. The Harrison County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education program and Hope’s Helping Hand Food Pantry collaborated to get nutritional information to the clients. Over 600 information packets were sent home in the food boxes each month for the client. The information provided focused on handwashing, food safety, meal
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The road to recovery from drug addiction is one paved in strife and difficulty, and individuals who are working to stay clean and sober need an immense amount of support along that journey. One prominent struggle that many people face is dealing with weight gain during the recovery process. According to the American Addiction Center, 65% people gain weight while in rehab and after. Furthermore, 20% of those people will become obese. At best, this can be a frustrating hurdle after rec
Author: Stacey Stephens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Stacey StephensHarrison CountyAs the Covid-19 pandemic continued to prove difficult to reach clients in person, the Harrison County Nutrition Education Program Assistant collaborated with the local Save-A-Lot grocery store. Each week the Nutrition Education Program Assistant would review the items on sale for the week and provide a recipe that went with items on sale. Handouts were placed in the 3-slot tray for customers to pick up and the display board was updated with different nutrition
Author: Omar Miralles
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
One of the goals of the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) is to provide nutrition information to the residents of Kentucky. As a result of COVID-19, delivery methods for the NEP were altered drastically.”During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Jefferson County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant contributed to the county in many ways. Educational resources were shared via emails and messaging apps like Telegram, with all of the groups that typically met in person for the Heal
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Nutrition and Horticulture Stop and CollaborateWhen the pandemic struck, Fayette County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education assistant Jacqui Denegri and horticulture agent Jamie Dockery had to quickly redesign their summer gardening/cooking series for students with Down Syndrome. They had to take the entire program online. Families picked up garden packets Dockery made for them,that gave them the things they needed to grow tomatoes and peppers in their own yards. During the weekl
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Zooming with HOPEWhen the pandemic began classes quickly had to become virtual. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education senior assistant from the Fayette County Cooperative Extension Office partnered with The Hope Center, a rehabilitation facility, to tackle this problem by providing nutrition education classes to the clients via zoom. Through the course of these classes participants were shown how to make easy healthy recipes on a tight budget. They were also instructed on
Author: Margie Hernandez
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Making Better Lifestyle ChoicesAccording to the 2019 data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps website, the adult obesity rate in Pulaski County is 37%. High obesity rates have been linked to many health problems, including heart disease and stroke. In order to address this, a seven-session curriculum, Healthy Choices for Every Body program was conducted by the Pulaski County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) assistant.
Author: Margie Hernandez
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Migrant Youth Learn About Hand WashingWith the increase of COVID-19 cases, hand washing is more important than ever. Studies have shown that proper hand washing and following the rules of food safety can significantly prevent the spread of diseases. To address this, the Pulaski County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant collaborated with the Migrant Summer Camp to educate migrant youth on the importance of washing their hands.Migrant Summer Camp is a week
Author: Margie Hernandez
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Providing Resources for the Food PantryThe COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in demand for emergency food boxes as more families faced layoffs and cutbacks in Pulaski County. Pulaski County’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant partnered with God’s Food Pantry to get nutrition information and healthy recipes into food boxes for families in the community. Sharing information and recipes from our Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculu
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In the spring of 2020, The University of Kentucky’s Boone County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Hillard Collins Elementary to teach an in-person Nutrition Series with 89 Fourth grade students. These nutrition classes were held in person in each classroom. Nutrition lessons were taught, along with healthy food samplings and group exercise activities. The classes were going very well, until they came to a halt, in March 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. B
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Boone County Nutrition Education Program Assistants partnered with Northern Kentucky Florence LiveWell Coalition, in conjunction with Northern Kentucky Health Department, Freestore Foodbank and Florence Christian Church to distribute food, to food insecure adults and children in the local Florence community.Every second Tuesday of the month fresh produce, pantry supplies, breads, protein and dairy are dispensed to the Florence community via a drive through or walk up, free food distribution.
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Studies show childhood obesity is a major public health problem in today’s youth. A considerable amount of adult Kentuckian’s struggle with chronic diseases, many of these because of behavioral risk issues that begin at an early age.To promote healthy habits in our community, The University of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program partnered with Hebron Lutheran Church’s Youth Ministry Group. Thirty preschool children attended the five-day summer program where children learned ag
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Approximately One billion people live with a mental disorder. In 2020 mental illness was listed as the highest of all diseases and mental disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Covid-19 pandemic has interrupted the mental health services available to the public.Cooking can be beneficial for a persons mental health. Cooking nutritious meals at home can be inspiring, pleasurable, therapeutic, and can also increase ones self esteem. In Spring of 2021 The Univers
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the spring of 2021 when kids would have normally been in school, students in the Newport Independent school district found themselves learning at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For many students that meant being home alone while their caregivers were working. The Buenger Boys and Girls Club opened its doors to those students, providing help with schoolwork and many other learning opportunities. The Campbell County nutrition education assistant taught seven middle school students valua
Author: Sandra Kennedy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clark County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant invented new and challenging ways to provide programing to families. After much planning, a four-week series Healthy Choices for Every Body featuring “Tips and Tricks to Healthy Eating in 2021” were taught virtually over Zoom. Recipes from our 2021 NEP Calendar were chosen to enhance the participation. Curriculum lesson materials were posted via the county FCS Facebook Page, local housing units
Author: Cathy Sparks
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Nutrition and Healthy Eating Program The Foothills Rural Telephone Cooperative in Johnson County, has been providing virtual programming for their employees for in-service purposes. They requested a video of information concerning the newest Dietary Guidelines and My Plate and how to incorporate those things into planning a healthy eating plan. Using information from several publications from extension, and visual aids from SNAP, a program was planned and videotaped and sent to
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Campbell County Senior Nutrition Education Assistant joined the LiveWell Newport Coalition in 2016. The mission was “to ignite an uprising within the community to build a movement toward a culture of health.” LiveWell Newport is part of LiveWell NKY: a regional effort of community-wide initiatives designed to improve the health of Northern Kentucky residents through changes in policy, systems, and environments. The focus is on achieving sustainable health goals by increasing phys
Author: Stephanie Caldwell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 7.7 % of people in Kentucky aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder. The McCracken County SNAP-Ed assistant was able to partner with Lifeline Recovery Centers women’s campus to promote a healthier lifestyle using the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum. The SNAP-Ed assistant held three separate series providing seven sessions each time. Lessons included topics on My Plate, Knowing the Limits of fats, su
Author: Stephanie Caldwell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Before 2020 we never realized the impact that social media would have in becoming a window to the world. With the COVID -19 pandemic many people found themselves at home looking for resources to stay busy and still feel connected. The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed assistant found that using Facebook Live was the tool that would make it possible to offer personal classes without the in-person risk. The Healthy Choices for Everybody classes were offered in a closed group t
Author: Amy Stooksbury
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Feeding America 2019 data reported 1,740 people in Todd County who were food insecure. The estimated program eligibility among food insecure people in Todd was 78% below SNAP, and other Nutrition Programs threshold of 200% poverty.With fewer in person classes, the Todd County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant was able to volunteer more with groups to share nutrition information. At the Petrie United Methodist Church Commodity Program and the Todd County Senior Commodity Pr
Author: Lisa Lamb
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
My name is Lisa Lamb, I am the Nutrition Education Program assistant in Garrard County KY. I work for the University Of Kentucky and to say that 2020/21 was a difficult is truly an understatement, But I am part of a group of extraordinary people who woke up everyday and instead of saying I am fearful I want to lock my self and my family away to stay safe. We asked ourselves what can I do to serve my community and the families of my community today.Myself and our whole Extension office jumped in
Author: Kelly Burgess
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With over 100 companies in the United States providing meal kit delivery services and 39% of adults in the United States having at least tried a meal kit, learning to discern if meal kits are the right fit for you and your family is an essential skill. Online advertisements and marketing for meal kits may make them seem very appealing, especially to people who do not usually cook at home. Many meal kit delivery services boast meals designed for weight loss, which may appeal to Allen County famil
Author: Nancy Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Even though Allen County, KY. was having some of the Covid-19 restrictions lifted. Senior Citizens were still not getting out and shopping for themselves due to being at high risk.This project served low-income seniors in Allen County, where the poverty rate is 19.1%. The goal of this project was to increase the vegetable intake of the senior citizens in Allen County. 28 Allen County Scottsville High School students participated in the program by going to the farm (Need More Acres) during the we
Author: Nancy Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Even though Allen County, KY. was having some of the Covid-19 restrictions lifted. Senior Citizens were still not getting out and shopping for themselves due to being at high risk.This project served low-income seniors in Allen County, where the poverty rate is 19.1%. The goal of this project was to increase the fresh produce intake of the senior citizens in Allen County. 28 Allen County Scottsville High School students participated in the program by going to Need More Acres farm during the week
Author: Nancy Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Allen County, Kentucky enrolls 3,090 students in their school system. In late October 2021 due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person learning was put on hold. The Allen County Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education Program Assistant and the Food and Consumer Science Agent determined a way to continue to reach out to the children in our county. We utilized the healthy at home newsletters and the Chop Chop books which included coloring sheets for the younger kids, word sea
Author: Nancy Owens
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 Allen County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant started thinking about ways to help in the community. Also, the Allen County COVID-19 shut down the school for a short period of time. 51% of the Allen County children are not Kindergarten readiness. Allen County NEP started contacting area agencies for outreach opportunities. Allen, Logan and Simpson Early Childhood Council, All
Author: Nancy Owens
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With COVID-19 Shutting down in person classes, outreach looked a lot different this past year. The Allen County NEP paraprofessional taught 22 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. 95% of NEP families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet. 72% of NEP graduate families consumed a diet of higher quality because they planned meals using My Plate, considered healthy choices, and
Author: Mimi Quiroz
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Over eat or under eat, how do you measure? Calorie consumption that is too low or too high will eventually lead to health problems. The University of Kentucky with their Nutrition Education Program teaches individuals how to take care of your body through the Healthy Choices for Everybody Curriculum. This program covers everything we need to know about nutrition and help families with low income to understand how to eat the right foods in the right amounts eve
Author: Kayla Watts
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Census Bureau Quick Facts for Breathitt County, 30% of the population live in poverty; often struggling to provide food/nutrition to their families.Breathitt County FCS Agent, Kayla Watts, in partnership with the Robinson Center for Appalachia Resource Sustainability (RCARS), and God’s Pantry, came together to set up a monthly food distribution for the county.Food is delivered monthly via God’s Pantry’s system. The food is then boxed and distributed by Extension st
Author: Shonda Johnston
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Historically, attendance at the Winchester-Clark County Famers decreases after school begins every August. In order help bolster farmer’s market attendance as well as introduce children to the local market vendors and increase consumption of fresh, local produce, Clark County FCS and 4-H agents collaborated with the farmer’s market to present Kids Day on August 28, 2021. FCS and 4-H agents provided $5 vouchers to 100 children under 18 to use at the market for fresh produce
Author: Matti Coffey
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating healthy reduces the risk of several chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. They also reference that most youth do not consume enough fruits and vegetables to reach the recommended amounts. Recently, Whitley County Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources department hosted a Farm Day and invited local schools. Whitley County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension wanted to address youth and teens obtain
Author: Katherine Alexander
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Research shows that people who prepare and cook meals at home are more likely to eat the recommended fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains needed in a balanced diet. Building skills and cooking knowledge increases the likelihood that people choose to prepare home-cooked meals. To encourage more home-prepared meals, the Daviess County Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent collaborated with the Daviess County Public Library to present Savor the Flavor: Cooking with Oils and Vinega
Author: Peggy Jones
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Rowan County Family and Consumer Science Education Agent team with Bath County: 4-H Agent and the Rowan County Senior High School Ag Instructor to provide a week long Day Came in collaboration with AppHarvest. AppHarvest Educators provided each morning actives on teaching the youth how to grow vegetables by Hydroponics. Each morning youth also practiced running the growing pod, they cleaned panels as well as planting, eating and harvesting heads of lettuce.Each afternoon Agents educa
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The National Coffee Association released findings in 2020 that said 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee every week; 62% drink coffee every day. The average American coffee drinker drinks just over 3 cups per day. Unfortunately, numerous health controversies, concerns, and warnings accompany this increasingly popular beverage. Each person who participated in this lesson became aware of the differences among coffee roasts, nutritional content, the potential health benefits, and risks associated w
Author: Mimi Quiroz
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The University of Kentucky with the Cooperative Extension Service Offices and the Nutrition Education Programs is recognized for the quality of the courses for youth and adults that are delivered throughout the state at the Cooperative Extension Offices. These programs include basic cooking, nutrition, knife handling, food safety, and life skills in general. They also get incentives like a backpack with a recipe book, Chop-Chop magazines, recipe cards, and cooking utensils to make the food prepa
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Grant County KY has an adult obesity rate of 35.6%. Seniors were experiencing additional struggles due to isolation from staying home because of the COVID pandemic. The Grant County Nutrition Education Program, and the Meadowview Housing Authority collaborated to offer a series of virtual classes using the Healthy Choices Curriculum. Classes were offered weekly, In-person at the Housing Authority office. The SNAP-Ed assistant offered one class each week from the Healthy Choice
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Center for Disease Control, the prevalence of obesity in Kentucky youth was 20.3% among 6- to 11-year-olds. The Director of an after-school program observed the students spending the majority of their time on computers. Several parents admitted to allowing their children to spend time watching TV and using the TV as a “babysitter”.The Boyd County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant was contacted by the Direc
Author: Jessica Reed
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Kentucky Foster Care System provides a safe opportunity for children to stay while conflicts or disruptions are being resolved within the regular life of the children. Many of the children placed within foster care have experienced abuse, neglect, or some other family challenges. The children are removed from the home due to their safety. According to https://chfs.ky.gov, there are over 9000 children placed within Kentucky’s foster care system as of December 2021. The average months sp
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Life skills, like the ability to plan a meal and fix it for yourself, come easy to most adults. However, when you are a special needs adult, those skills may not come so easy. According to the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, Daviess County has 15.6% of their population with some sort of disability. To assist with meeting the needs of this population of adults, the Daviess County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) partnered with
Author: Anita Boyd
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Diet quality refers to a diversified, balanced and healthy diet, which provides energy and all essential nutrients for growth and a healthy and active life. A variety of foods is needed to cover a person's nutrient needs. The Mason County Nutrition Education Program Assistant worked with a group of six adults in Comprehend, Inc.’s Intensive Outpatient program to help alleviate this problem. Using the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum, participants were taught meal and men
Author: Shonda Johnston
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Clark County Cooperative Extension agents were contacted by a local elementary school to ask if there was any pumpkin programming that could be provided for their students. In the past, Strode Station Elementary students attend nearby pumpkin patches to learn about pumpkins during the fall season. The teachers found such value in the agricultural and nutrition education experience that they were hoping Extension could fill that void. Clark County FCS and 4-H agents developed a Pumpkin Days progr
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
With Spencer County Schools being out of school during the winter break parents and youth had more free time to try new recipes and make healthy choices. This year the Spencer County 4-H/Youth Development and Family Consumer Sciences agents, in conjunction with the Family Resource Center, planned a winter Drive Thru event.The drive thru events: Self-Advocacy & Importance of Play were held together. The Extension Office focused on each family receiving a kit that included the following: Exten
Author: Teresa King
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and poor health is a challenge, especially when incarcerated. There are several contributing factors to these issues. The lack of nutrition education is one of the factors.To slow the cycle, the Meade County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the Meade County Detention Center and conducted a seven-week Healthy Choices for Every Body Program. During the series of classes, seven female inmates learned about nutrition,
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. Cline
Author: Julia Wilson
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In 2018, an estimated 17.4% of Edmonson County residents lived in poverty, and an estimated 22.1% were children younger than 18. Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is a concern for many Edmonson County Families. The FCS Agent partnered with the Farmer's Market, and Edmonson County Head Start to bring a Farmer's Market to Edmonson County Head Start students enrolled in their summer program in July of 2021 and again in October of 2021The FCS Agent had been working with Head Start and yo
Author: Kelly Burgess
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The age demographic in Allen County is a 60% 18-65 year-olds, with a growing population of older adults (age 65+) between 2018 and 2021 (16.1% and 18.1%, respectively according to US Census Data). Additionally, according to the 2019 American Community Survey 2019, the average commute time for Allen County residents is 23.7 minutes, and 77.7% of workers drove alone to work. Traditional work schedules and commute times may prevent individual from participating in Extension programs, however the ne
Author: Sandra Kennedy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
A teacher from George Rogers Clark High School contacted the nutrition program assistant to discuss a class her students wanted pertaining to nutrition. After a short conversation with each student at the academy, we learned the difficulties they had with preparing their favorite foods that didn’t bring about any success, from burning noodles, to under/ overcooked items. Teen Cuisine came into play to start their way to learning Kitchen Safety, Knife Safety, Using the Microwave, Chopp
Author: Cindy Maggard
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
As with everything else Covid put a halt to the SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Assistant going to the classroom to teach. With the 2021-22 school year starting back in August, the education system slowly started opening back up to outside educators coming in.In October of 2021 the Knott County School System opened their classrooms back up to outside educators. With that the SNAP-Ed assistant was allowed to go back in and start teaching her lesson.Her program of c
Author: Rita Stewart
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents hosted a virtual, multi-site Charcuterie Boards Program. Locations included Wildside Winery in Woodford County, Dry Stack Coffee Shop in Boyle County, the Jessamine County Extension Office, the Boyle County Extension Office, the Lincoln County Extension Office, and the Anderson County Extension Office. Participants had the option to attend the program at one of the in-person locations or attend virtually. A total o
Author: Jill Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Pollution is the presence of contaminants, like toxic chemicals, metals, and even radioactive materials, that may be present in our environment due to improper disposal methods, industrial accidents, and household waste. These pollutants can be found in air, water, soil, and food and tend to have negative effects on the environment and on health if breathed, swallowed in food or water, or absorbed directly through then skin. Pollution increases compounds called free radicals in the body. Too man
Author: Vanessa Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
JOB CORP Job Corps’ mission is to educate and train highly motivated young people for successful careers in the nation’s fastest-growing industries. At Frenchburg Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, they support the Job Corps program’s mission to teach eligible young people the ski
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Agree or Strongly Agree?According 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 rehabi
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Pike County Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education program (EFNEP) and the Goodwill Rise Program teamed up to provide healthy eating and lifestyle education so clients can make better nutritional and physical activity choices.Using the ”Healthy Choices for Every Body” curriculum, the EFENP Assistant taught the MyPlate food/meal plan; the importance of limiting fat, sugar, and sodium in the diet: how to read a label; menu planning; preparing heal
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Pike County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program once again partnered with the Ladies West Care Rehabilitation group to educate clients on how to make healthier food choices and options available for physical activity. Seven required lessons were taught using the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum. Clients received information on the following: how to figure out h
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Expanded Food and nutrition Education Program and the Pike County Cooperative Extension Service have partnered with West Care Rehabilitation, a non- profit organization whose services include both substance and mental abuse and addiction treatment. By using “the Healthy Choices for Everybody” curriculum, participants became more aware of proper measuring techniques usi
Author: Tracy Cowles
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Families are busy and the concept of preparing healthy nutritious meals is believed to be time consuming. Sheet pan meals are great solutions for an easy dinner for those on a busy schedule. These meals often contain a protein source for the main dish and two vegetables for sides, cooked together on a single sheet pan in the oven. Cooking multiple menu items in one pan appeals to those looking for recipes that require little preparation and use minimal dishes. Sheet pan meals can be very conveni
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Our local schools have not been able to have in person family activities this year due to COVID restrictions. As an alternative, the Healthy Choices curriculum was offered virtually to parents and their children prepared the curriculum recipes together with their parents after the lesson. The SNAP Nutrition Education Senior Assistant from Grant County, along with the Family Resource Center Directors from Sherman, Dry Ridge and Crittenden Mount Zion Elementary Schools, offered a serie
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In October of 2021, the Nelson County Cooperative Extension office was approached by Feeding America and the Nelson County Chamber of Commerce to provide a location for an after hour food distribution targeting Hispanic populations. According to Feeding America, "Latinos were 2.5 times more likely to experience food insecurity than white individuals. Latino children were more than twice as likely to live in food-insecure households as white children" during the pandemic. The Nels
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Partnership with Dare to Care food bank Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak of a global pandemic caused a potential loss of income. Many families in Spencer County have faced unemployment and the demand for food boxes has increased. The Spencer County's University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent addressed the situation by delivering educational articles & publications to Spencer County's Da
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In Kentucky, adult obesity continues to rise and impacts adults’ overall health and wellness. To help address this concern, the Spencer County Family Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Multi-Purpose Agency in Taylorsville, Kentucky to help provide nutritional instruction to their senior citizen population. The researched-based information from the Nutrition Education Program curriculum “Healthy Choices for Every Body Reading Labels” was used. The Spencer County Fa
Author: Jessica Reed
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Obesity rates among the United States starts in the early childhood years. According to https://chfs.ky.gov, Kentucky has one of the highest pediatric obesity rates within the United States. Kentucky sets with an approximately 38% of the children ages 10-17 years old are either overweight or obese compared to the Body Mass Index (BMI) chart for their ages. Children in Kentucky are less likely to get four days of physically active per a week and spend more than two hours a day behind te
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Artwork for Water According to the Center for Disease Control, 34% of Kentucky adults are considered obese. The director of an adult rehabilitation/therapy center for traumatic brain injuries contacted the Boyd County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) assistant expressing concern regarding poor dietary habits of patients attending the daily rehabilitation program. Of pa
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Money Down the Drain According to FeedingAmerica.org website, 17% of adults in Boyd County, KY are considered food insecure. The director of an abuse shelter for women contacted the Boyd County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) assistant expressing concern regarding residents not having enough money toward the end of the month to purchase food. Of particular concern was that resi
Author: Teresa King
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to FeedingAmerica.org, within Meade County there are over 3,600 food insecure people. Food insecurity is measured by the lack of access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods.To help with this, Meade County’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant partners with Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland, Meade County Ministerial Association, and several other community
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Feed America in the state of Kentucky, 1 in 7 people face hunger. Combating food insecurity is vital to the health and wellness of individuals. The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) addressed the needs by providing ZOOM lessons to reach clients.The Breathitt County SNAP=Ed assistant continued to provide nutrition classes, once a month to participants at Kentucky River Community Care. The Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum was used to cover several nutrition topics including e
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 24% of children ages 6 to 17 participate in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. It is important that children participate in 60 minutes of exercise every day, to stay healthy.The 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 2nd grade class, the book, How I.Q. Gets Fit, was
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Advanced technology has helped with keeping kitchen appliances trendy. Air fryers being one of many of those appliances that have many people questioning if that product would be useful to them to make cooking more efficient and less time consuming. To increase consumer awareness of the versatility of an air fryer, the Montgomery County Family and Consumer Sciences agent hosted a "Trendy Kitchen Appliances" 3-series workshop. The purpose of the programs was to educate participants on w
Author: Jessica Hunley
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
As the Madison County extension agent, I was invited to collaborate with the Powell County agent and several community partners to come and teach for an "Adulting Day" for the Seniors at Powell County High School. The students worked through four rotations or classes for about 45 minutes each where they met two presenters in each group that covered various topics with them including basic nutrition, grocery budgeting, food safety, and basic kitchen skills. We served around 150 st
Author: Karen Denniston
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Our mission, to make a difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through research-based education, is fulfilled daily at the Bourbon County Cooperative Extension office by each of our programmatic areas comprised of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Horticulture, Family and Consumer Science, 4-H Youth Development and SNAP Ed. These programs by themselves provide impactful education to their corresponding clientele and reach further horizons when combined. A group effort was achieved as we we
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Butler County is 82% below Supplemental Nutrition Education Program threshold at 200 percent poverty, thus serving as a prime example of food insecurity in America. The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with The Morgantown Mission, and The Butler County Family Resource Center to offer nutrition education classes at The Morgantown Mission Food Pantry.Four two-hour sessions were led by the NEP assistant where Healthy Choices for Every Body was taught. The sessions also
Author: Michele Moore
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Stateofchildhoodobesity.org ranks Kentucky 5th in high school obesity based on national averages. To teach high school students the importance of eating healthy and exercise, the Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Three Corners Employment to teach high school students in Edmonson County.The NEP assistant met with 15 students at the Edmonson County High School for two separate three hour workshops. Kitchen skills as well as food safety, and nutrition was taught, an
Author: Kendyl Redding
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Dieting is nothing new to the U.S., but various diets fly in and fade away. So, what’s trending? What really works? Ketogenic, Whole 30, Paleo and Intermittent Fasting are just a few of the popular diets trending on many social media platforms. The Powell County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the University of Illinois Extension to facilitate the Exploring Diet Trends program for Kentucky Extension Homemakers. This program explained the pros and cons of several
Author: Marcia Moss
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to kentuckyhealthfacts.org in Bullitt County twenty-four percent of adults have reported that they have hypertension. To address this issue, in January of 2022 the Bullitt County Extension Office was once again able to partner with the Mt. Washington Library to offer the Healthy Choices for Everybody series in person. Six participants attended the classes that included tips for physical
Author: April Wilhoit
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Fleming County Extension Office Family and Consumer Sciences Agent position has been vacant since January 2021. In adapting to the circumstances to see that the clientele are still reached, the agents decided to host a Cooking Through the Calendar Program for 2022. The program began in February and is scheduled for each month through December. Sessions are hosted at noon at the Extension Office as well as monthly at the Senior Center. The February session was in collab
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
It’s important for everyone to have good nutritional habits, but it’s vital for those recovering from drug or alcohol addictions. Those who abuse drugs are more likely to experience loss of appetite, poor eating choices, low blood sugar, organ damage, and gastrointestinal disorders. Teaching clients in recovery to make better nutritional choices will not only help in their recovery process, but have long term affects they can take with them when they graduate from their
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the National Survey on Children Health, Kentucky has one of the highest rates of pediatric obesity in the nation. To prevent childhood obesity, in Warren County, KY, the Senior SNAP Education Assistant from the Warren County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with a local elementary school physical education teacher to teach nutrition classes. A nutrition series was taught using the Professor Popcorn curriculum. The curriculum focused on healthy eating and physical activity
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
On December 10, 2021, tragedy struck Warren County Kentucky. Three tornados touched down, displaced over 700 families, and took the lives of seventeen people. Roughly, 14,000 people were without power in the city of Bowling Green, KY for weeks.In an effort to help rebuild our community, the Warren County Extension Office worked in various ways. The Snap Education Assistant delivered food and clothing to over 121 families this included hotels, temporary housing, and shelters. The Snap Education A
Author: Sarah Spears
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program partnered with Mountain Comprehensive Care’s Auxier Greenhouse this year. The Auxier Greenhouse is a program around the area that provides supportive instruction to developmentally and intellectually disabled adults, all in a positive environment. The program typically grows and sells a variety of locally grown vegetable plants, house plants, annual flowers, perennials, trees and shrubs. In doing all th
Author: Sarah Spears
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
This year, the Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program partnered with the Betsy Layne Senior Citizens Center. The Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum was used. Out of all the topics that had been previously done here, one particular lesson stood out to the attending adults. This lesson was “Meal Planning for Every Body”. The lesson focuses on the importance of preparing nutritious meals, while also maintaining a budget. There is a spe
Author: Linda Brown-Price
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In my role as a volunteer on the 9th District Advisory Council a request was made by Jullie Muenhlenkamp, 21st Century Community Learning Coordinator, to host a fall event for 60 limited resource youth that normally do not get to experience fall events such as hayrides, pumpkin painting, and hay mazes. Collaborating with other Kenton County Agents: Agriculture, Horticulture, and Family and Consumer Sciences the event was planned and executed. Each youth had the opportunity to paint and tak
Author: Sandra Kennedy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
This mother contacts the Extension Office in search of some information on gardening and healthier dinner ideas for her family. After talking for a bit on some of the same old dinner ideas she was given a 2022 NEP Calendar and some gardening information for her new raised garden. She spoke of raising her own fresh vegetables to assist on her budget when purchasing them at the grocery when she noticed the pic of the Apple Spinach Salad on the front. She quoted, “This looks really good, I th
Author: Tasha Tucker
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Changing the OddsAccording to The State of Childhood Obesity, In Kentucky, 23.8% of youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity. Obesity is linked to diabetes, and hypertension, stroke, and some types of cancer. Poor eating patterns and lack of physical activity are two main causes of obesity. In order to combat this problem Breckinridge County Nutrition Education Assistant and Cloverport Independent School made a strategy to teach Teen Cuisine to a group of sixteen 6th graders, in hop
Author: Tasha Tucker
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2020, Kentucky has a higher rate of tobacco use, prescriptions drug misuse, and substance abuse disorder. Substance use disorder can have long term effects on the body such as; liver disease, cirrhosis, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and poor wound healing.Breckinridge County Nutrition Education Assistant partnered alongside Breckinridge County Substance Abuse Program to assist the Substance Abuse participants i
Author: Anita Boyd
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body curriculum “The nutrition-related effects substance use has on the body paired with the increased risk for certain chronic disease makes proper nutrition particularly important during recovery”. The Mason County (EFNEP) Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant and the Mason County Detention Substance Abuse Program worked with a group of seventeen (17) adult males to help alleviate this problem. &nbs
Author: Anita Boyd
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Kentucky has the highest obesity rate in the nation for children between the ages of 10 and 17 at 23.8%. This is almost half again as frequent of the national rate of 16.2%, according to a report from the The State of Childhood Obesity in America. Jamie Bussel, the foundation’s senior program officer for efforts to prevent childhood obesity, said that this report …” is an urgent call to action for leaders at all levels and across all sectors.” The repor
Author: Laura Milburn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to kentuckyhealthfacts.org, reports that 22% of Washington County residents report having hypertension and being physically unhealthy at least 5 days a month.To combat these numbers the Washington County Family Consumer Science agent and the Supplemental Nutrition Education Program Assistant (SNAP-Ed) offered a Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle course titled Big Blue GoalsNutrition classes and recipe demonstrations were held weekly for 3 months. Four participants and 9 additional p
Author: Vanessa Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Menifee county SNAP-ED assistant partnered with the Menifee County ANR/4-H Agent to deliver life skills to 9 KY Court Designated Worker Program youth. The Kentucky CDWP is available for youth that have issues and need a positive influence to make a difference in their future. The goal of diversion is to reduce further involvement in the court system by providing programs based on education, treatment, and accountability. The ANR/4-H Agent and SNAP-ED assistant partnered with the local IGA gr
Author: Deborah Messenger
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the 2019 Health Profiles, Cumberland County has an obesity rate of 36% percent which is above the state level of 34%. Also, Cumberland County has a physical inactivity rate of 33% which is also above the state percentage which is 29%. As an effort to increase students awareness and improve behaviors related to good nutrition, the Cumberland County Family and Consumer Sciences agent and the Cumberland County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent partnered with Kindergarten through
Author: Jennifer Bridge
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Americans consume on average 10 Tablespoons of sugar per day. Consuming excess amounts of sugar can lead to poor health and obesity. To create a base understanding of types of sugar and nonnutritive sweeteners, a program titled “Sweet Enough Without All That Sugar” was held in the Lincoln Trail Area to reach extension homemaker club members through a train the trainer program as well as the general public who had an interest in the topic. Evaluations after the prog
Author: Clarissa Cheatwood
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
This story is about a group of women who live in a recovery facility for substance abuse. These women have little to no access to fresh fruits, vegetables and are unable to receive healthy meals for their specific health issues. They have no income and depend on donations. The EFNEP Assistant from Jefferson County Extension Office has been conducting nutrition classes ongoing for the last eight years. The class is every Wednesday for one hour. The nutrition assistant has
Author: Sheila Fawbush
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Kentucky has the third-highest childhood obesity rate in the country and the seventh-highest rate in adult obesity, Trust for America’s Health’s “F as in Fat” report shows. Sixty percent of Kentucky women and 80 percent of men living in the state are either overweight or obese. Next to Mississippi, Kentucky youth drink the most soft drinks in the country – up to 89 gallons per person, according to information compiled from the USDA’s Food Environ
Author: Jessica Reed
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
SNAP-Ed assist with Shepherd’s Shelter Victory GardenWhen the pandemic hit in 2020 the Governor challenged Kentucky Extension and Nutrition Education Program to help promote Victory Gardens in Kentucky. Victory Gardens were started during the World Wars to help decrease the effect of food rations ad increase fresh food supply. During the pandemic uncertainty of how long the shutdown was going to be, many started hoarding food and supplies leading to a shortage (4). Shepherd Shelter Treatme
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture the consumer price index for food has increased 8.3 percent from April 2021. These prices are expected to increase throughout the year. With food prices on the rise Wolfe County Cooperative Extension Senior Assistant partnered with the TR Center to provide participants classes and information on budgeting food dollars and making meals stretch among other meals. Participants learned to compare prices before buying, identify foods on sale, to use cou
Author: Heather Toombs
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest 2021, consumption of sugary drinks in children has increased by almost 10%. Soda companies have increased their marketing by targeting low-income and people of color. In 2020, the U. S. Census Bureau reported child poverty in Kentucky was estimated to be 20.9%. Oldham Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Highpoint food pantry to teach a healthy hydration lesson. Participants (youth 6-17) learned how much sugar i
Author: Marian Stacy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID 19 outbreak of 2020 was especially hard on the senior population across the country with Kentucky being no exception. During the shut down that started March 2020, the Supplemental Nutrition Education Assistant Senior in Madison County teamed up with the parenting educator also at the Madison County Cooperative Extension Office to provide both Senior Citizens Centers with nutrition information as well as senior appropriate physical activity publications, parenting & caregiver infor
Author: Marian Stacy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Supplemental Nutrition Education Assistant Senior (Snap-Ed) at the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service has a good working relationship with several of the teachers at a nearby middle school. For many years the Assist has taught nutrition, life skills, etiquette, and cooking classes for this teacher as part of this schools STARS program. Each year, as a reward or catch-up period, the students are offered “bonus” classes that last nine weeks provided they are doing well in
Author: Marian Stacy
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Middle school is tough for many children, their bodies are changing and growing up is hard. The Farristown Middle School Family Resource Center (FRC) does a great job at staying ahead of some of these difficult transitions for their students. The FRC director contacted the Supplemental Nutrition Education Assistant Senior (Snap-Ed) in Madison County to ask if they could offer an after-school cooking club to their students as well as another middle school. These two middle schools were forced to
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year one in six Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. The Bell County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-ED) Assistant implemented a grab and go program using the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum. Included in each bag was one of the 7 required lessons from the curriculum (MyPlate, Know the Limits, Planning Meals, Reading Labels, Eat
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2017 data from the State of Childhood Obesity Website, obesity rates among youth ages 2-5 have increased from 8.4% to 13.4% in the last six years.The Bell County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) Assistant partnered with the Family Resource Youth Services Center Coordinator (FRYSC) at the Page School Center to provide LEAP (Literacy, Eating and Activity for Preschool/Primary) to their Kindergarten students. The SNAP-Ed Assistant visited two classrooms, six times th
Author: Christy Blevins
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) US students receive less than 8 hours of required nutrition education each school year, far below the 40-50 hours that is needed to affect behavior change. Data from the CDC’s School Health Policies and Practices Study from 2014 shows elementary students only received 4.6 hours of nutrition education. The Bell County Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) Assistant partnered with the Bell County Family and Consumer S
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Lawrence County EFNEP (Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program) Assistant partnered with Family Resource Center Directors (FRC) from five (5) Lawrence County schools to offer the “Healthy Choices for Every Body” curriculum. The FRC Directors were looking for a series that would address nutrition, overall health, family mealtime, quick and easy nutritious meals at home, food safety and strategies for increasing physical activity. According to the handout Home Is Where the Healt
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The drug epidemic in Eastern Kentucky has been on the steady rise in the last 10 years and the number of addiction recovery facilities in Lawrence County alone have doubled within the last 5 years. Lawrence County Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant offered the pilot program Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body to a women’s substance abuse recovery center. The seven (7) lessons included Moving toward good health, Cooking for better health, Keep food safe, Buildi
Author: Ruth Kirk
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, Kentucky is the least physically active state in the nation. The risk factors of poor nutrition and physical inactivity begin early in life. The Bogalusa Heart Study indicated that children as young as 2 years old were already consuming a high-fat, high-sodium, and low-fiber diet. Furthermore, the percentage of children and adolescents who are overweight has more than doubled in the past 30 years.The principal at Lo
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Currently 12.8% of Kentuckians live in poverty. Many of these families receive assistance from local food pantries in addition to SNAP benefits. Hunters for the Hungry provides many of these pantries with wild game but many families do not know how to prepare it. The Grant County Nutrition Education program, Grant County 4-H, UK Department of Agriculture and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife collaborated to present a two month long Cook Wild for Grant County program. The classes
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Healthy Snack’in with Kindergartener’sAccording to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “1 in 7 c
Author: Lorie Dunn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Kentucky has a youth obesity rate of 23.8% in youth ages 10-17 and 18.9% of all Kentucky’s children are food insecure. Grant County Nutrition Education in cooperation with Williamstown Independent School, Grant County Schools, Grant County Family and Consumer Science program, Homemaker volunteers and Spears Free Kitchen presented the Recipe for Life program. This is the first year since COVID 19 that students were able to go on a field trip and participate in Recipe for Life. &
Author: Valerie Robinette
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) assistant partnered with Feds Creek Elementary School to provide nutrition and health education opportunities for local students using the Professor Popcorn curriculumStudents were instructed on correct food portion sizes and the MyPlate plan making half your plates fruits and vegetables, followed with a whole grain, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Students learned about the vitamins and minerals derived from foods; and why it is importa
Author: Marcia Moss
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Sharing is CaringAccording to kentuckyhealthfacts.org sixteen percent of the adults reported in Nelson County are eating fruits and vegetables. In August of 2021 the Bullitt County Extension Office partnered with Isaiah House to offer the Healthy Choices for Everybody series. Thirty-two participants have attended and graduat
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to The Gateway Foundation developing healthy eating habits are pivotal for people who are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction. Addiction takes a toll on the body which requires it to work extra hard to remove dangerous substances and protect itself against the damage the toxicants cause. Attaining nutritional balance is necessary in mending the harm addiction does to the body. To help address this issue the Wolfe County Cooperative Extension Service Senior Nutrition Assistant p
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Food insecurity is the consistent lack of enough food for everyone in a household to live an active, healthy life. According to 2019 Feeding America Map the Meal Gap data (https://map.feedingamerica.org/), the average food insecurity rate for the 10 county Lake Cumberland Area is 16.2%. In order to address this problem, the Clinton County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences shared Hunger in Kentucky lessons with the Extension Homemakers in ten Lake Cumberland counties. 94% of p
Author: Lora Gullett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Rowan County SNAP-Ed Program partnered with Morehead State Upward Bound Program to offer nutrition classes during their Student Leadership Summit on April 2, 2022. Upward Bound goal was to prepare the students for living on their own when they enroll for classes at Morehead State University. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase
Author: Denise Wooley
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Spring into Green has been a long established area-wide program in the Purchase Area. This event brings participants from all eight counties to gain new skills from attending workshops and demonstrations. The event is hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Science agents and held at the Graves County Extension Office. Speakers at the event discussed the following topics.Gardening in ContainersCooking with HerbsGrowing FlowersThe goal of this event was to teach participants ab
Author: Sarah Drysdale
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Spring into Green has been a long established area-wide program in the Purchase Area. This event brings participants from all eight counties to gain new information from educational workshops and demonstrations. The event was hosted virtually last year and participants were excited to have the event back in person for 2022. Spring into Green: In the Garden edition, was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Science agents at the Graves County Extension Office. Speakers at this year&rsqu
Author: Judy McGuire
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
While talking with a local educator/basketball coach at a local elementary school he was very concerned about the nutritional habits of his sixth grade class. Because he was so involved in health and exercise himself he would question the kids on what they had eaten before coming to school or practice each day. Some of the most popular answers would be soda, chips, pizza, hot dogs, burgers and etc.. He invited me to his classroom to discuss the importance of nutrition and
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Breakfast at School The Johnson County Senior SNAP-Ed Assistant started two 8th grade Life Skills classes making a total of 36 students. The first class started at 8:15am and the second started at 9:05. When asked if they had eaten breakfast 20 students said they did not eat because they did not have time in the mornings and another group of 4 students said they didn’t like to eat breakfast. At this point we were learning about the important benefits of eating breakfast e
Author: Mary Elaine Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Johnson County Senior SNAP-Ed Assistant started two new groups at the Carl D Perkins Rehabilitation Center. These adult students will be independent and living on their own after graduation. It’s important for these students to acquire basic life skills that will help them when they are living independently. Teaching proper nutrition to young adults is sometimes challenging due to already established bad eating habits.We talked about chronic dieses and how reading and understanding nut
Author: Vanessa Harris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 are designed to provide current dietary advice to promote health, reduce risk of chronic disease, and meet nutritional needs across the lifespan. The guidelines also serve as a foundation for federal food, nutrition, and health policies and programs like the National School Lunch Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which aim to reduce hunger and increase food security through access to healthy, affordable foo
Author: Melissa Pilcher
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In 2019-20, Kentucky had the highest obesity rate in the nation for children between the ages of 10 and 17, which was 23.8 percent according to a report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Lack of education plays a big part in those alarming numbers. Health and nutrition education is vital, but an overlooked component is the ability to select and prepare healthy foods. The Boone County Nutrition Education Program assistant teamed up with the Boone County High School Family
Author: Martha Yount
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Feeding Kentucky, hunger is an issue in every community across the Commonwealth. There are 700,000 Kentuckians who are food insecure — which means that 1 out of every 6 of our Kentucky neighbors do not always know if they will have enough food. The United Health Foundation’s 2019 report ranks Kentucky as one of the least healthy states in the nation. The study ranked the state No. 43 out of 50 states using five categories: behaviors, community and environment, public and
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland, “One in five children, in the 42 countries served by Feeding America, face hunger every day.” Hunger is a real issue in our region. An unimaginable issue that we fight year-after-year in our county. The 4-H Food for Kids Backpack Program provides food assistance to youth enrolled in our public school system on a weekly basis. A project of this nature requires a large financial backing, something that ha
Author: Gregory Comer
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Since the onset of COVID-19, access to a consistent supply of nutritious foods has become a challenge across the U.S and Kentucky. In 2022 to assist local citizens, the ANR agent and FCS program Assistant expanded the garden kit program, by providing programming & kits to not only the Hartford & Fordsville Food Banks, but added the Senior Citizens Program, Ohio Co. Headstart, the Ohio Co. Library Learning Program. &n
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
About 2 years ago I was approached by a young farmer who wanted to potentially start a new meat processing facility. I told him about the new program the State Ag Development Board had started to help new and existing meat processing plants remodel or start up, due to the Covid induced meat shortages that were occurring at the grocery stores.I got him in contact with the state level, at that time, GOAP person, and he started to work the process. I also invited him to our county AG Development Co
Author: Sandra Bastin
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Students preparing for professional jobs or advanced education are usually invited to interviews that include dining out. Being familiar with proper dining etiquette assists in how to present one's self, how to speak intelligently, how to show respect for others, and how we should conduct ourselves in different environments. Thirty-five students about to embark on interviews attended a table etiquette program, which included a meal with other students and professionals. 100% of the students
Author: Leah VanMeter
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Kitchen Herb Gardens A program on how to start a kitchen herb garden. The lesson focused on which herbs grow well indoors, how to grow, harvest, and store herbs, and how to use fresh herbs in cooking. There was also an activity where participants started their own herbs from seeds so they had a start on their own herb garden.According to the FDA, Americans eat on average about 3,400 mg of sodium per day. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults limit sodium to less than 2
Author: Jacqueline Walters
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Kentucky Farmers Feeding Kentucky ChildrenWith 171 school districts in Kentucky serving over 647,000 K-12 students (Kentucky Department of Education, https://education.ky.gov/comm/edfacts, 6/30/2022) schools represent a tremendous market opportunity for Kentucky producers. The purchase of food from local producers would strengthen local economies, encourage sense of community, and make quality food available to all youth. Yet, conversations with both producers and school food service
Author: Jacqueline Walters
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Review of data from the University of Kentucky WebNEERS evaluation system reveals that the majority of program participants enter the SNAP-Ed and EFNEP programs with low intake of fruits and vegetables, vitamins A and C and fiber. Previous research conducted by Fertig, Loth, and Trofholz (J Acad Nutr Diet. 2019: 119 (5): 140-172) shows meals prepared at home are more likely to contain fruits and vegetables than pre-prepared meals. Focus groups conducted with SNAP-Ed eligible Kentucki
Author: Caroline Durr
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The COVID pandemic affected Kentuckians in many ways, including for many, changes in their finances and nutrition security. According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, SNAP benefit enrollment increased by 16% in April of 2020, as a result of the pandemic. Due to economic changes, participation has decreased since June of 2021, however as of May 2022, there are 543,429 SNAP beneficiaries in Kentucky (retrieved from https://kypolicy.org/tracking-snap-in-kentucky/).The Nutrition Education
Author: Caroline Durr
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Professional development is essential for Extension staff, as they seek to serve the emerging needs of their communities throughout the state. Nutrition Education Program Assistants serve as a source of reliable, research-based information within their communities, who are often facing nutrition insecurity and health disparities. In May of 2022, 74 NEP Assistants and 23 NEP state staff attended a 2-day NEP state in-service in Lexington, KY. SNAP-Ed staff from Kentucky State University were also
Author: Laykin Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
For the first time since the pandemic, I hosted my first in-person cooking camp for children. It was great to be back in the kitchen with people, especially children whom were eager to learn. Many students tried fresh vegetables for the first time and made plans to either cook dinner at home or ask for more fresh veggies from the grocery store.
Author: Joan Bowling
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may help ease economic and time constraints of cooking, helping low-income households prepare healthier meals. Increased frequency of home-cooked meals among SNAP participants is strongly associated with improved dietary outcomes among adults and may be beneficial simply by replacing fast food intake. In an effort to encourage older adults living on fixed incomes to cook more at home, the Kenton County Extension agent offered
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
'Spring into Green' is a long established multi-county program in the Purchase Area. This event brings participants from eight counties to gain information from educational workshops and demonstrations. This year, 'Spring into Green: In the Garden' edition, was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Science agents at the Graves County Extension Office. Speakers discussed topics related to the garden that included ‘Gardening in Containers’, ‘Cooking with
Author: Rachel Price
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the CDC.gov “Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health. Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high. The prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents.”As a solution to a very serious and huge problem we decided to teach children the basics of healthy choices with basic cooking skills with Super Star Chef Curriculum. In this
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Teen CuisineIn Kentucky, childhood obesity continues to rise and impacts our youth’s overall health and wellness. To help address this concern, the Spencer County Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, and Agriculture agents, in conjunction with the Spencer County High School Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher’s classes, provided nutritional instruction to each of her classes. The researched-based information from the Nutrition Education Program curriculum “Teen
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Reda Fugate Perry County Assistant SeniorJuly 6,2022Moving Out The Perry County School District collaborated with Perry County Supplemental Nutrition Education Program (SNAP-ED) Assistant Senior for nutrition education for a senior class. Where numerous students would be leaving foster care upon graduation. A series of seven classes were held with the students using University of Kentucky Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum with focus on Diet Quality and Food Resource Ma
Author: Reda Fugate
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
A local Recovery center in Perry County partnered with University of KY Nutrition Education Program Assistant Senior in Perry County for a series seven Nutrition Education classes focusing on the coalition with recovery and nutrition. Using Healthy Choices curriculum seven sessions were taught. Where healthy meals were made and sampled by participants. Recipes were given along with nutrition education information participants interacted with each other in preparation for meal. Where knife handin
Author: Paula Plonski
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Many Kentuckians struggle with substance use; an estimated 399,000 Kentuckians age 12 and older reported using illicit drugs in the past month (2019-2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA). According to SAMHSA’s annual National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services report for 2021, there are 359 substance use recovery (SUR) treatment facilities in Kentucky. It is common for some residential SUR treatment programs to use horticultural therapy with residents since gardeni
Author: Tracy Cowles
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Stress is something we have felt a lot of lately. Whether positive or negative, stress can take a toll on our eating habits. In fact, research shows the foods we eat and the emotions we feel are closely linked. The urge to stress eat is normal, but over time the comfort of our favorite foods wanes. Fortunately, there are a variety of tips and tricks people can apply to manage stress eating while still savoring favorite comfort foods.???? To support people in creating their personalize
Author: Andrea Munoz
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Recently I was at the kick off at the summer meals at the local district school, a small school K-12, I was welcomed by a High School Sophomore with a beautiful sentence "You tought me how to cook when I was little".Whitley county has all the three school district qualify for free breakfast and lunch. Kentucky State University has done the Rookie Cooking Camp (RCC) every summer since 2017, the RCC is a program that teaches kids from 9am to 2pm, 4 day in a row that teaches them differen
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the 2021 Annual Supplemental Nutrition Education Program Report for Kentucky, today, 60% of all Americans live with at least one chronic disease. These include heart disease and stroke, cancer, and diabetes. These diseases are all associated with obesity and physical inactivity. In 2020, Kentucky ranked in the top five states in the country for obesity with a rate of 36.6% for adults. The percentage of physically inactive Kentuckians is 32%, ranking i
Author: Marla Stillwell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Americans consume on average 10 Tablespoons of sugar per day. Consuming excess amounts of sugar can lead to poor health and obesity. To create a base understanding of types of sugar and nonnutritive sweeteners, a program titled “Sweet Enough Without All That Sugar” was held in the Lincoln Trail Area to reach extension homemaker club members through a train the trainer program as well as the general public who had an interest in the topic. Evaluations after the prog
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Spring into Green has been a long established area-wide program in the Purchase Area. This event brings participants from all eight counties to gain new information from educational workshops and demonstrations. The event was hosted virtually last year and participants were excited to have the event back in person for 2022. Spring into Green: In the Garden edition, was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Science agents at the Graves County Extension Office. Speakers at this year&rsqu
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The pandemic has brought many new challenges to families in Fulton County and in 2021 we started with the Garden to Go Kits and with there success we continued those into 2022. 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 distribute forty beginner garden
Author: Lora Pullin
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
There are several reasons why people choose to purchase and eat the food they do. Typically, taste, cost, and availability are at the top. But one factor gaining momentum is taking care of the place our food comes from – the Earth and our agricultural practices through sustainable eating. Evidence suggests that shifting food-related behaviors and purchasing patterns over time may protect the Earth and simultaneously result in overall improved human health outcomes. To addre
Author: Marla Stillwell
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In partnership with the LaRue County Family Resource Service Centers at both Hodgenville Elementary School and Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Cool School is a week long summer school program involving 112 total youth in grades K-5. LaRue County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences collaborated with the Family Resource Youth Service Centers to conduct a series of classes with 80 LaRue County Elementary School Students in grades 1 through 5. The goal was to introduce new fo
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to 2017 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, the obesity rate for children ages 9 to 12 in Kentucky is 20.2%. The Montgomery County Extension Council identified childhood obesity as an important health issue facing the community. Recent research has indicated that teaching cooking skills to children encourages healthier food choices, which can lower obesity rates. In an effort to address this problem, the Montgomery County Family Consumer Science agent and&
Author: Robin Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services states that “thirty-eight percent of Kentucky children ages 10-17 are considered overweight or obese (chfs.ky.gov).” Because the obesity rate is so high in our state, it is imperative that children learn how to eat properly and the importance of physical activity as early as possible. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant from Grayson County recently taught a series of nutrition lessons to the fourth-grade classes at Caney
Author: Robin Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement from 2019 states that, “Excess consumption of added sugars, especially from sugary drinks, contributes to the high prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity, especially among children and adolescents who are socioeconomically vulnerable. It also increases the risk for dental decay, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, and all-cause mortality https
Author: Robin Burton
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Grayson County, KY ranks high among adult diseases. It has been reported that there is a 35% prevalence of hypertension among the residents of our county, whereas, Kentucky has a whole is ranked at 39%. There is an 18% prevalence of diabetes in our county, while the entire state reports only a 13% ranking. Also, 34% of adults report they have less than good health (https://kentuckyhealthfacts.org/data/location/show.aspx?loc=43). All three of these issues can be related to poor nutrition.Re
Author: Karen Denniston
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Charcuterie Board Art and Summer SausageArt and healthy eating come together through innovative charcuterie boards which have become very popular across the state. Bourbon County residents indicated interests in exploring their creativity, learning new food display techniques, and understanding foods well suited for a charcuterie board showcase. Additionally, discovering the history of smoking summer sausage while applying traditional techniques with present day technology has piqued interests f
Author: Laykin Smith
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
For Super Star Chef camp I created a “germinator”. It was a great activity for the kids, and they were shocked with how easily germs can spread. Children attending the camp were very excited to learn about why food safety is important and to investigate their hand washing skills. This was a great visual for the camp and I look forward to sharing it with more children in the future.
Author: Courtney Luecking
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Stress affects everyone. According to a WalletHub ranking on 41 key indicators of stress, Kentucky is the eleventh most stressed state in the U.S. Prior to the onset of the pandemic, Kentucky ranked fourth. While sources of stress are unique to each person and family, the top sources of stress in Kentucky include health and safety, money, family, and work. During times of stress or crisis, food can provide comfort. Eating in response to negative emotions like anger, sadness, boredom, loneliness,
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
A spring goal setters group created a new challenge for teachers at Rogers Elementary School. In January 2022 we created a group on Facebook for community members to encourage each other to get up and move, make healthy food choices and share ways to improve mental health. A group of teachers at Rogers took the challenge to new heights as they requested water bottles from us here at the Extension office. I went to the school and conducted a program on water consumption. Next, a teacher took the
Author: Kati Noble
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, consuming enough fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. One way to address this issue is by learning the importance of eating healthy.The Breathitt County SNAP-Ed Assistant, in partnership with Middle Kentucky Head Start, taught adults the Healthy Choices for Everybody Curriculum. As a part of these classes, participants learned the importance of eat
Author: Emily DeWitt
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Food insecurity rates in rural communities are higher compared to their urban counterparts. Feeding Kentucky reports 1 in 7 adults and 1 in 6 children face hunger, with counties in eastern Kentucky experiencing higher prevalence compared to the rest of the state. These trends are consistent in Martin County where 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 4 children are considered food insecure. Food insecurity in Martin County is exacerbated by persistent poverty and geographic isolation which impede healthy food
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 event.We targeted preschool through middle school youth. Each client received a bag with summer physical activity and healthy eating educational activities along with Farmers’ Market bucks to spend at the Farmers’ Market. 186 youth and 302 tot
Author: Courtney Luecking
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
An infant formula shortage began impacting Kentucky families in November 2021. The shortage started because of pandemic-related supply chain issues. In February 2022, an Abbott Nutrition plant in Sturgis, Michigan closed due to sanitation and safety concerns. This facility being one of the largest formula production facilities in the country exacerbated the shortage. The closure deeply affected Kentucky because it produced brands of formula that many families access through t
Author: Maxxwell Alviar
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Like many rural communities, Anderson County faces chronic health disparities at greater rates than urban counterparts. Many of these health challenges are exacerbated by poor food environments and from a lack of knowledge and skills related to nutritious food choices in a variety of food settings. In efforts to address these health disparities, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent initiated the six-session program Mastering Food Choices with 12 female adults over the age of 60 an
Author: Maxxwell Alviar
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents hosted a virtual, multi-site Charcuterie Boards Program. Locations included Wildside Winery in Woodford County, Dry Stack Coffee Shop in Boyle County, the Jessamine County Extension Office, the Boyle County Extension Office, the Lincoln County Extension Office, and the Anderson County Extension Office. Participants had the option to attend the program at one of the in-person locations or attend virtually. A total of 133 participa
Author: Emily Matthews
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to the center for disease control a study of 432,302 children showed that the body mass indexof children ages 2 to 19 nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemicaccess to children for direct education was challenging, as school districts began allowing visitors toenter school building and classrooms the Barren County Nutrition Education Program assistant set outto teach nutrition face to face. A partnership with the Caverns Independent School District and
Author: Emily Matthews
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Following tornado damage that hit areas of Barren County in December of 2021 the Barren CountyNutrition Education Program assistant realized families without electricity in areas mighthave questions about food in their refrigerators or freezers. The Nutrition Education Program assistanttook the Be Food Safe During Emergencies booklets to the City Hall of Park City and to Isiah 43 ChristianCounseling’s donation center in Cave City. While dropping booklets off, the Barren CountyNutrition Edu
Author: Rachel Gillespie
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Obesity is a persistent public health challenge in Kentucky, with areas of eastern Kentucky facing some of the highest incidences in the nation. Obesity rates are compounded by ongoing food insecurity and healthy food accessibility challenges. Food insecurity rates in rural communities, particularly in parts of Kentucky, are higher compared to urban counterparts. Feeding Kentucky reports 1 in 7 adults and 1 in 6 children face hunger, with counties in Eastern Kentucky experiencing higher prevalen
Author: LaToya Drake
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program has worked with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Farm to School Program to produce the Kentucky Farm to School Hub. This is a free statewide website designed to help farmers and school food purchasers find one another and coordinate the production of local food with school menu needs, so more Kentucky food makes its way to the plates of Kentucky schoolchildren. The Kentucky Farm to School Hub p
Author: Dianne Hayward
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The local Community Action office contacted our extension office about holding classes related to growing your own food. As the nutrition education assistant I agreed and enlisted the help of the family and consumer science agent and Agriculture and Natural Resources agent. These classes were meant for the general public and especially low income families who require at least one attendance of a class to qualify for Garden voucher assistance program supplied by the USDA. The voucher can only be
Author: LaToya Drake
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Cooperative Extension Service is known in some circles as “ the best-kept secret.” The Extension Service offers a wealth of resources; unfortunately, many folks don't know about them. Not only does the Extension Service serve as a reliable information source for gardeners and farmers, but it also provides affordable agricultural-related education, and can provide strategies for becoming a safer and better cook. The Extension Service houses one such asset, the Kentucky Nutriti
Author: Courtney Luecking
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In Kentucky, one out of every six children lack access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life and limited or uncertain availability of nutritious foods. In some areas of South Central Kentucky, rates of food insecurity among children are as high as one out of every four children. To support families with young children in the South Central region, Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health continued to work with community partners on the Mobile Food Marke
Author: Bethony Morris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Hancock County Cooperative Extension Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant (EFNEP) partnered with True North, a rehab facility for women, to teach the Healthy Choices for Everybody program. At the beginning of the program only 10% of the ladies said they do any type of physical activity daily.As the program continued to meet once a week, at the end of each lesson, as a group the EFNEP and ladies discussed how to get the recommend 30 minutes of physical activity in daily.
Author: Bethony Morris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Hancock County Cooperative Extension Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant (EFNEP) was asked to join the South Hancock Elementary 5th grade class. EFNEP decided to teach the Professor Popcorn program. When first meeting with the class EFNEP talked about how important eating fruits and vegetables where. All the ways they help our body to grow, keep us healthy, and make our body strong. EFNEP learned that only 38% of students where eating vegetables at sc
Author: Bethony Morris
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The Hancock County Cooperative Extension Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant (EFNEP) joined True North Rehab Center to teach the Healthy Choices NEP program. Once the entry paperwork was done, the EFNEP found that less than 9% of the adults were eating the recommended USDA daily intake of fruits. It was then taught why fruits are such an important part of a diet. The vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fruits are a great source to help our bodies. Fruits provide tons of antioxi
Author: Karen Denniston
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
According to kentuckyhealthfacts.org, only 10% of Kentuckians eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables daily and only 5% of Bourbon County residents eat those recommended amounts! Nutrition conscious eating habits need to be nurtured and developed at an early age. For this reason, the Bourbon County Extension FCS agent and the Senior Snap Assistant took this message to all the kindergarten classes in Bourbon County. The story and skit about Peter Rabbit and how he L
Author: Dayna Fentress
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Guest speakers were welcomed back into Hardin County Schools in the winter of the 2021-2022 school year. Nutrition classes are one of the most common requests received by our schools, so classes were scheduled across multiple schools, and by many grades. Nutrition lessons were offered to every student at Lincoln Trail Elementary School. These classes are provided through the gym teacher, and reach every student- more than 650 students, over the course of the semester. The PE teacher then re
Author: Dayna Fentress
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
POP Club at the Hardin County Farmers’ Market returned for 2021, and again in 2022, after a year break due to COVID. In 2021, POP Club was able to occur 4 times, and saw more than 350 youth during those 4 sessions. 83% of youth tried a new fruit or vegetable, and 98% of the youth completed an agricultural related activity. More than $1,200 was given out in POP Bucks and therefore invested back into the Hardin County Farmers Market and our local vendors. This allowed youth in Hardin Co
