Nelson County CES

Title:

Family & Consumer Sciences Education; Food Preparation, Preservation & Nutrition

MAP:

Family & Consumer Sciences Education: Food Preparation, Preservation & Nutrition

Agents Involved:

Fries

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Financial Education - General

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Family Development General

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Nutrition and Food Systems General

Situation:

The Aging Community was one of the issues brought forward by Extension volunteers and survey participants of all ages. According to the latest census information almost 25% of the Nelson County population is 55 or over. In addition, Nelson County residents have expressed a want for programs relating to family mealtime promotion, child care trainings and support for the National Guard and Reserve families we have in the county. 

The Kentucky Extension Homemaker Assocation provides Nelson County Homemakers with a sense of belonging and inclusion.  The programs provided to the Homemaker Membership include a variety of relatable topics based in research and include nutrition, health and safety topics.  Moreover, monthly and special meetings encourage members to be socially connected and volunteer opportunities in schools, extension offices, and community centers drive are intended to drive personal purpose and growth. 

Obesity, and lack of exercise all contribute to the poor health of Nelson County residents. Currently, Nelson County residents average 6.5 unhealthy days a month. Currently, 30% get no exercise and 26% are overweight. Over 8,000 residents reported having poor health. The goal of Promoting Positive Lifestyles and Tapping into Local Food Systems is to work with at-risk groups to begin incorporating healthy eating behavior and physical activity into their daily lives/routines, therefore reducing the risk of obesity and susceptibility to the diseases associated. In addition, it is a goal to utilize local food systems to not only provide more fruits and vegetables to citizens of Nelson County, but also to support community producers, stimulating the local food economy.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

1.A Decrease the number of overweight and obese residents within the community. 

2.Increase community knowledge, skill and awareness of  physical activity & financial security.

3.Improve overall family and community mental, physical and social/emotional wellness. 

4.Increase fruit and vegetable residents consumption within the community. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Positive changes in knowledge, attitudes, skill or ability as they relate to obesity, physical activity and healthy eating. 

2.Practice of physical activity & use of financial literacy tools and techniques, either personally, or within the family unit.  

3.Recognition or behavior change in the realm of mental, emotional or social health & wellness; and/or mental health improvement.

4.Positive personal or family unit decision-making change when considering fruit and vegetable consumption.

Initial Outcomes:

1.Awareness of community-wide overweight and obesity, and where to access resources to encourage a healthier community. 

2.Knowledge of physical activity & financial literacy opportunities. 

3.Awareness of mental, social or emotional health and possible resources to improve each, personally and/or as a family unit. 

4.Awareness of access to more fruits and vegetables, knowledge of ways to prepare them

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness of clientele/community members regarding where to find resources for food and nutrition, recovering finances, and increasing overall well-being

Indicator: Quantitative data from social media platforms and/or marketing campaigns for extension.  Qualitative data from participants within extension programs indicating knowledge or awareness of extension programs and community resources. 

Method: Community forums, in-program discussions, post-program discussions, social media and marketing platform surveys.  

Timeline: 1 Year/On-going

Intermediate Outcome: Participants in extension programs or from other community programs indicate knowledge increase or skill attainment in culinary arts, fruit & vegetable access and attainment, and/or financial capabilities. 

Indicator: Quantitative data from pre/post surveys from pre-packaged curriculums produced from research-based entities.  

Method: Pre/post surveys

Timeline:On-going

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Community-wide decrease the number of overweight and obese residents and an increase community knowledge, skill and awareness of  physical activity & financial security.Improve overall family and community mental, physical and social/emotional wellness. 

Method: Census data, reports from federal, state and local levels.  Qualitative and Quantitative data collected through extension programs.  

Timeline: On-going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Nelson County Homemakers 

Project or Activity: Leader Lesson Trainings, Cultural Arts Engagement 

Content or Curriculum: Stand Up to Falling, FitBlue, SNAP, Cook Together, Eat Together 

Inputs: Agents, CES publications and resources, FCS Program Sponsored Curriculum, Homemakers 

Date: Late Summer to Early Spring 

 

Project or Activity: Lunch @ The Pantry, FRYSC Cook Together, Eat Together 

Content or Curriculum: Cook Together, Eat Together 

Inputs: Agents, CES publications and resources, FCS Program Sponsored Curriculum 

 Health Department 

Date: Late Summer, Early Fall 

 

Project or Activity: Physical, Mental and Socio/Emotional Wellness Promotion 

Content or Curriculum: Blue To You, FitBlueKY, LEAP, SNAP/NEP 

Inputs: Agents, CES publications and resources, FCS Program Sponsored Curriculum 

 Health Department, Community Collaboration, Schools 

Date: Year-Round 

Success Stories