Powell County CES

Title:

Accessing Nutritious Foods

MAP:

Accessing Nutritious Foods

Agents Involved:

Kendyl Redding

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Food Preservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Youth Fruit & Vegetable Access

Situation:

The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians. Obese individuals are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. The obesity rate in Kentucky increased 90 percent over the last 15 years. Thirty percent of individuals in the Commonwealth report no leisure-time physical activity. Increased consumption of unhealthy food, stress, and built environments that promote physical inactivity are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic. As a result, Kentuckians are dying from heart disease and cancer at higher rates than all Americans and they have a lower life expectancy, 75.5 years, compared to 78 years for Americans. Minorities and individuals residing in Appalachia bear a heavier brunt of the obesity and chronic disease burden. The goal of the Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices Initiative is to reverse these trends by working with various organizations, agencies, and groups to promote the health and wellness in all Kentuckians. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

A decrease in the number of obese and overweight children, youth, adults and elderly

Increase in the practice and promotion of physical activity and healthy eating daily

Improvement in the built environment to promote physical activity and healthy eating

Improvement in the mental health and well being of Powell  County residents.

Manage and prevent the risk, debilitation, and premature death related to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and hypertension

Increase the estimated health savings in dollars for chronic disease.

Increase policies that address obesity, physical inactivity and promotion of poor nutrition

Intermediate Outcomes:

Practice healthy food choices and strengthen individuals’ ability to build healthy eating plans and patterns.

Maintain appropriate calorie balance during each stage of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy and breastfeeding and older age

Practice of physical activity in families and communities and decreased time spent on sedentary behaviors

Community members advocate for policy

Changes related to obesity, physical activity and healthy eating.

Strengthen community coalitions or partnerships to address obesity, physical inactivity and chronic disease.

Practice healthy lifestyle decision-making that strengthen individuals’ ability to cope with normal life stressors.

Initial Outcomes:

Change in awareness, knowledge, opinions, skills, and attitudes needed to make informed choices regarding:

Healthy lifestyle choices

Childhood and youth obesity

Adult weight management

Healthy aging

Practice and promotion of daily physical activity

Policies that that reduce the level of obesity

Reduction of symptoms related to chronic disease

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Individuals and families intend to utilize community resources and extension programs.  
Indicator: Knowledge and skills are gained regarding healthy eating habits, physical activity, healthy aging, and food safety/preparation.
Method: Pre and post evaluations, personal observations, and goal setting.
Timeline: 1 year

Intermediate Outcome: Participants show positive changes related to healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management.
Indicator: Apply skills of food resource management, food safety, and food preparation to afford healthy, nutritious food choices. Increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables.  
Method: Follow up surveys, personal observation, personal success stories from the community.  
Timeline: 2 years

Long-term Outcome: Participants make permanent lifestyle changes to their diet and physical activity routine and maintain good health.
Indicator: Increase in the use of community resources and extension programs. Increase in physical activity, healthy eating practices, and consumption of fruits and vegetables.  
Method: Personal observation, success stories from the community, increase participation at community events and programs related to health and wellness.
Timeline: 1-4 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Families and individuals  
Project or Activity: Food Preservation
Content or Curriculum: CES publications and NEP resources
Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Agent, NEP staff, specialist, and volunteers. CES publications and resources.
Date: Summer/Fall

Audience: Plate It Up Kentucky Proud
Project or Activity: Plate It Up recipe demonstrations at food pantries and farmer's market.
Content or Curriculum: Plate It Up recipes and resources. CES publications.
Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service agent, community partners, farmer's market vendors, and NEP assistants. CES resources and publications.
Date: 1-4 years

Audience: Preschool and cloverbud youth
Project or Activity: LEAP
Content or Curriculum: LEAP curriculum and resources.  
Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service agent, CES publications and resources, community partners, KEHA.
Date: 1-4 years
 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Super Star Chef

Content or Curriculum: Super Star Chef Curriculum, NEP Resources 

Inputs: NEP resources, NEP Staff, SNAP-Ed Assistant, Office Staff, Agents

Date: Summer

Success Stories