Extension
It Starts With Us
Promoting Sustainable, Healthy Lifestyles and Communities
Sustainable, Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Courtney Jenkins, FCS Agent, Lacy May
Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Farmer's Markets
Building Healthy Coalitions
Promoting Healthy Homes and Communities (general)
According to Kentucky Health Facts’ county health profile, 39% of Magoffin County adults are considered having “less than good health,” which is 15% higher than the state’s average. 30% of Magoffin County adults are considered obese, 66% overweight, 41% lack physical activity, and a mere 7% of adults take in the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. These facts are alarming considering that these factors contribute to chronic health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. Extension is working with community partners to assess the health status of the county and provide education where needed.
Several Extension Councils have identified educational needs, resources, and partners to aid in addressing these issues. Educating both youth and adults about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating habits, as well as helping residents gain access to nutritious foods is an Extension priority.
*Decrease the number of obese and overweight youth, adults and seniors.
*Increase daily physical activity and healthy food consumption across generations.
*Increase the percentage of people receiving preventative screenings.
*Youth, adults and elderly will exhibit healthier food choices and eating patterns.
*Increased physical activity in individuals and families.
*Increased access to nutritious foods through continued promotion of the Farmers’ Market as an avenue for supplementing income.
*Youth, adults and seniors will understand the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption.
*Youth and adults will consider physical activity to foster healthier lifestyles.
Long-term Outcome: Increased physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption across all generations.
Indicator: Reduced chronic disease rates in the county.
Method: Review KY County Health Data Profile statistics and KY Department of Health information, as well as assess utilization of WIC vouchers at the Farmers’ Market.
Timeline: 2018-2020
Intermediate Outcome: Clients practice making informed choices regarding healthy lifestyles
Indicator: Increased number of residents receiving health screenings and taking preventative care measures.
Method: Evaluations (formal and informal) following programs and events.
Timeline: Ongoing
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge of healthy lifestyle habits.
Indicator: Number of individuals who gain new knowledge of food preparation, food safety, and nutrition.
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: Ongoing
Audience: Adults and Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: Leader Trainings
Content or Curriculum: UK CES Materials
Date: 2016-2017
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Health School Enrichment
Content: 4-H Health & Wellness Core Curriculum
Input: UK CES Publications
Date: August 2016-June 2017
Audience: Families and Youth
Activity: Second Sunday
Content: Marketing Materials, Health Fact Sheets, and 4-H Health & Wellness Core Curriculum
Inputs: UK CES and UK Healthcare Publications
Date: October
Audience: Farmers’ Market Vendors and Consumers
Activity: Farmers’ Market
Content : SNAP-Ed Materials, GAP Training, Fact Sheets, Plate It Up, etc.
Date: Summer-Fall
Audience: Children, youth, seniors and limited resource audiences
Activity: Food, Nutrition, and Wellness Education
Content: UK CES ANR, FCS and SNAP-Ed resources; 4-H Health & Wellness core curriculum
Input: UK CES ANR, 4-H and FCS Agents, Senior Citizens Center, and Magoffin County Health Department
Date: 2016-2017
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
According to the USDA Food Atlas, Magoffin County is one of several counties in rural Appalachia that is considered a "food desert." Accessing food, especially fresh, quality produce is difficult for those living outside city limits. In 2017, the County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources secured a $10,000 grant from Grow Appalachia to help address this issue. 16 families, consisting of 42 individuals, participated in Magoffin County Grow Appalachia, a program wh
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Beef
Proper heifer development is one of the key components to profitability in a beef cattle operation. However, producers often face challenges when selecting heifers to develop and keep as replacements for their herd. Understanding the core principles of heifer development enables producers to incorporate management techniques that will ultimately improve the efficiency of their operation and the genetics of their herd. To help producers alleviate the stresses associated with selecting and develop
Author: Lacy May
Major Program: Health 4-H Core Curriculum
Today’s youth are often fascinated by the images they see on a cell phone, television, or computer screen. Yet, they rarely experience those scenes first hand. According to the Child Trends databank the average amount of television 8 to 18 year olds watch is four and half hours per day. Total daily media exposure is equivalent to ten hours. Infrequent exercise and obesity are concerns often linked with excessive media use. The 4-H Youth Development Agent in Magoffin County recognizes the n
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Farmer's Markets
The increase in grocery store food prices, coupled with the recent local food movement, has driven consumers to seek out fresh, local food options. These factors, among others, have certainly contributed to the success of the Magoffin County Farmers’ Market.After working with community leaders and potential vendors to facilitate the establishment of the county’s first farmers’ market in 2015, the CEA for ANR has focused on educational trainings to improve marketing and increase
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Farmer's Markets
Post-harvest handling is an aspect of fruit and vegetable production that is often disregarded when growing fruits and vegetables for market. Failing to properly handle and prepare produce for consumers can not only result in the spread of bacteria and disease, having detrimental impact on farmers and their business, but also negatively affect the quality and shelf-life.To help address this issue, the CEA for ANR partnered with Grow Appalachia in the spring of 2018 to host a Post-Harvest Handlin
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Food Preservation
In August 2017, 26 individuals (23 female, 3 male) participated in the Magoffin County Food Preservation Workshop series. Less than half of the participants had food preservation experience, with a percentage of those with experience still utilizing improper preservation practices, and only five owning their own pressure canner. During the two-day workshop, participants were eager to learn the newest food preservation techniques to ensure that they were following correct procedures and get
