Bullitt County CES

Title:

Local Food Systems

MAP:

Promoting Local Food Systems

Agents Involved:

Darold Jay Akridge

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Commercial Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Ag Marketing

Situation:

As Kentucky becomes increasingly urbanized, the need increases to create an awareness of the impact of agriculture on daily life and developing marketable skills for the future. In Bullitt County only twenty-four percent of land remains in farm land (2012 Census of Agriculture) and it becomes increasingly important to educate the public on ways to gain access to local healthy foods. Youth and adults need to become familiar with a wider variety of fruit and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet.

Agriculture will be vital as Kentucky’s population continues to grow and there will be increased demand for food and shelter, energy resources and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Agriculture remains an important part of life in Kentucky communities. Public becomes aware of food production and its benefits for a healthier lifestyle.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Local Heroes Garden becomes a source of enjoyment and food for local heroes-fire fighters, police as well as military personnel.
Increased participation in agricultural programs in high school and college.

Initial Outcomes:

Local Heroes Garden gain participants.
More students at the elementary level learn about growing their own food and its value.
High School students become familiar with the opportunities in agriculture.
Individuals become aware of the effects of diet on longevity
Individuals will reduce their risk for weight-related or preventable diseases through healthier lifestyle choices

Evaluation:

Outcome: More individuals learn about growing their own food
Indicator: Number of participants in Heroes Garden
Number of elementary students who become aware of growing their own food
Number of students becoming involved with FFA
Method: Observations from teachers, agent
Timeline: on-going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Elementary School Students
Project or Activity: Lebanon Junction Elementary Garden
Content or Curriculum: Maintaining the Butterfly Garden
Inputs: plants, UK pubs, gardening pubs
Date: April

Audience: Elementary School Students
Project or Activity: Lebanon Junction Elementary Garden
Content or Curriculum: Value of water in the garden-using a rain barrel
Inputs: rain barrel, UK pubs, gardening pubs
Date: July

Audience: Elementary School Students
Project or Activity: Youth Farm Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Familiarizing youth with farm life
Inputs: Greenhouse, UK and Industry Specialists, Farm Bureau, B.C. Conservation
Date: April

Audience: Elementary School Students
Project or Activity: Farm Safety Day
Content or Curriculum: Stressing the importance of safety on the farm
Inputs: Fire Dept., Police Department, Salt River Electric, Farm Bureau, B.C. Conservation, UK specialists, Safety pubs
Date: September

Audience: Local Heroes (Police, firemen, military personnel and retirees)
Project or Activity: Invitation to participate
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: Gardening pubs, local specialists
Date: on-going