Butler County CES

Title:

Improving Access to Fresh and Affordable Food

MAP:

Accessing Nutritious Foods

Agents Involved:

Drake,, Saylor,

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Nutrition and Food Systems General

Situation:

According to the 2010-2014 census, 20.8% of Butler County population lives below the poverty level. Nutrition education programs help families gain access to food and stretch food dollars. This program, along with the agents assistance, will help maximize access to nutritious food.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Higher consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables to combat obesity rates. Higher rates of individuals raising and preserving their own food. Diabetes rate in county decreases.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increase in number of people reporting home or container gardening and preservation of their food. Increase in number of food preservation items in the county fair.

Initial Outcomes:

Increase in number of participants attending gardening and food preservation classes. Increase in number of attendance and increase in knowledge of individuals attending healthier eating habits and lifestyle changes programs.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increase attendance and knowledge of gardening/preservation/health classes

Indicator: Number of people participated and did they report gained knowledge as a result of program

Method: Paper survey, sign-in sheets

Timeline: During program 2024 - 2025

Intermediate Outcome: Increase in gardening and preservation

Indicator: Number participated in more than one Extension related program on topic/report raising/preserving healthy foods

Method: Follow-up, conversation and evaluations at other programs

Timeline: During program and other special efforts to discuss programs 2025 Spring

Long-term Outcome: Monitor attendance at food production/preservation programs. Follow-up to see if garden items used to make healthier food choices.

Indicator: Higher consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables

Method: Amount of places to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables

Timeline: Summer 2024 & 2025

Learning Opportunities:

Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed): Audience: Families and Individuals Project or Activity: Basic production and preservation Content or Curriculum: UK Pubs Inputs: Agent Time, UK Specialist Time Date: Spring 2025 Audience: 4-H Youth Project or Activity: Bee Keeping Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum Inputs: Agent Time, Volunteer Time, 4-H Council and parent funding Date Sept. 2024-July 2025 Audience – 4-Hers Project or Activity: gardening  Content or Curriculum: UK Pubs/curriculum Inputs: volunteer time Date: March – September 2024