Accessing Nutritious FoodPlan of Work

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Johnson County CES

Title:
Accessing Nutritious Food
MAP:
Food
Agents Involved:
Cockerham and Jeffiers
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Food Preparation
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farmer's Markets
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Sustainable Agriculture
Situation:

The type of food we eat is heavily linked to both our health and our economy. From the health perspective, we have to focus on the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and selecting high quality sources (but limited in quantity) protein, grains, and dairy. Reducing fats, sugars, and salt are also on the top of the priority list for positive changes needed. It is not secret about the dire effects of not following these “Myplate” guidelines are having on our region as well as nationwide. On the Economic side, the vegetable industry, beef industry and farming as a tourism industry, play vital roles in our areas economic potential. Balancing the two initiatives is part of the Kentucky/Appalachian Proud mission. This is in addition to the saving capacity of growing your own food and balancing the family budget, while get the exercise that goes with gardening, the independency and the higher quality food potential. The Extension Council and Family Consumer Sciences Councils have consistently acknowledged the need to address these issues.




Long-Term Outcomes:

Long-term Outcome: Johnson County citizens increase the production and use of healthy foods for sales and local consumption.


Intermediate Outcomes:


1.Johnson Countians become aware of healthy food choices

2.Farmers produce a wide variety of foods locally and utilize appropriate sampling, marketing, and processing techniques.

3.Consumers purchase and use locally-grown items.

4.Farmers acquire certifications for FMNP, sampling, and home processing.

5.Farmers solicit sales to restaurants and institutions and increase their markets and efficiency of sales.

Initial Outcomes:

1. Johnson Countians attend events and activities that teach about making healthy food choices.

2. Farmers learn about sampling procedures, marketing techniques, production methods, and processing laws.

3. Farmers understand safe food handling and processing

4. Farmers are able to articulate to customers the value of buying locally.

5. Consumers will recognize the value of buying produce locally.


Evaluation:

1. Long-term Outcome Indicators:

*Program participants use the information gained through lessons events and activities

Method: Observations, testimonials and surveys

Timeline: beginning right after and sometimes a few months after Extension Program

*Indicators: Sales via local methods, including farmers’ market, roadside stands, and direct sales-both the quantity of sales from existing farmers as well as an increased number of people selling and using added value methods.

Method: Surveys of producers’ marketing methods

Timeline: End of each growing season


2. Intermediate Outcomes:

*Indicator: Program participants demonstrating gained knowledge from event or activity

Method: Program evaluations

Timeline: Immediately after each program


*Indicator: Inventory of products available at farmers’ market, roadside, & direct to consumer

Method: Surveys of producers

Timeline: annually each summer


3. Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Attendance to programs

Method: sign in sheets

Timeline: before and during programs



Learning Opportunities:

1. Audience: Families

Project or Activity: Nutritious Food Preparation

Content or Curriculum: SNAPed and FCS

Inputs: FCS Council, Extension Council, Extension Homemakers

Date: 2019-2020


2. Audience: School Age Children and Pre-school age children

Project or Activity: Primary Students Outreach, Parent Expo and follow up outreach

Content or Curriculum: Snap Ed and FCS

Inputs: FCS Council, Extension Council

Date: 2019-2020


3. Audience: Students and individuals

Project or Activity: Raised Beds

Content or Curriculum: Extension Publications “Economic Gardening”

Inputs: Extension Council, Extension Homemakers

Date: 2021


4. Audience: General Public and Senior Citizens

Project or Activity: Farmer’s Market

Content or Curriculum: Plate it Up

Inputs: Extension Council

Date: summer 2019-20


5. Audience: General Public and Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Beefin’ It up

Content or Curriculum: FCS recipes related to beef

Inputs: Extension Council and the Program steering committee

Date: Annual event in the fall Sept-November)


6. Audience: Produce growers

Project or Activity: Senior voucher training

Content or curriculum: KDA program

Inputs: Agent

Date: Annually in January/February


7. Audience: Egg producers

Project or Activity: Proper egg handling and retailing

Content or curriculum: UK & KDA programs

Inputs: Agent, KDA, UK specialists


8. Audience: Beef producers

Project or Activity: Optimizing beef production

Content or curriculum: UK, KBN, KCA information

Inputs: UK specialists, KDA state vet, veterinarians, pharmaceutical companies

Date: Monthly



Success Stories

PLANET

Author: Brenda Cockerham

Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

The Johnson County Extension Homemakers prioritized the environment as being a priority for the next four years. They selected the former "Outdoor Classroom" (which is located on the back side of Paintsville Lake) as a major project. The International program also has a strong environmental component, so the two projects would be equally promoted and developed throughout the year. Thus far, the steering committee, has met with the Army Corp of Engineers and we have successfully planned

Full Story
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