Lee County CES

Title:

Accessing and Utilizing Nutritious Foods

MAP:

Accessing and Utilizing Nutritious Foods

Agents Involved:

Laken Campbell (FCS). Ted Johnson (ANR)

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Active Living and Health Promotions General

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Food Preparation and Preservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Cook Wild Kentucky

Situation:

In 2019, the percentage of obese adults in Kentucky was 36.5%, ranking it in the top 10 states for highest obesity rates in the country. The percentage of physically inactive Kentuckians was 30.6%, ranking it among the top five most physically inactive states in the nation. Kentucky was also ranked in the top 10 for high percentages of adults with diabetes (13.3%) and adults with hypertension (40.9%).

Long-Term Outcomes:

Lower the chronic disease conditions for the county population.

Save money by preserving produce from gardens.

Save money by preparing foods at home.

Implement skills learned from producing and preserving foods.

Increase access of fresh foods.

Improve physical, social and/or mental health.

Develop employment skills.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Identify and utilize correct method of food preservation.

Identify and purchase healthier foods.

Expand gardens to offset family food cost.

Expand knowledge and skills on food production .

Use Extension diagnostic services.

Be active in gardening.

Diversify plant variety.

Initial Outcomes:

Learn how to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.

Learn how to make wise choices in selecting foods.

Learn production practices, for fruit and vegetables.

Match plants to appropriate planting location.

Increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in soil health, water conservation, and chemical use.

Observe horticulture and food preparation demonstrations.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Learn correct, research-based information.

Indicator: Number of participants reporting change in knowledge.

Method: Evaluations/Surveys 

Timeline:2024-2025

Intermediate Outcome: Learn  and demonstrate correct, research-based information.

Indicator: Number of participants reporting change in knowledge.

Method: Evaluations/Surveys 

Timeline:2024-2025

Long-term Outcome: Practice and teach others correct, research-based information.

Indicator: Number of participants reporting change in knowledge.

Method: Evaluations/Surveys 

Timeline:2024-2025

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Homemakers, General Public, Youth

Project or Activity: Cooking classes

Content or Curriculum: Kids in the Kitchen

Inputs: Agents, specialists

Date: 2024-2025

Audience: County clientele/Homemakers 

Project or Activity: Food Preservation workshops

Content or Curriculum: Food Preservation curriculum

 Inputs: Agents

 Date: Summer 2024

        

Audience: County clientele/4-H clientele/Homemakers 

Project or Activity: Ham Project

Content or Curriculum: Ham Project curriculum

 Inputs: Agents

 Date:  2024-2025

Audience: Adults and Youth

Project or Activity: Raised bed garden tour

Content or Curriculum: Construction & design, soils

 Inputs: Agents

 Date: Fall 2024 and spring 2025

Audience: Homemakers, General Public

Project or Activity:  Workshops gardening production

Content or Curriculum: Soils, irrigation, disease management, recommended varieties, extending the seasons for fall and spring, and insect & weed control.

Inputs: Agents 

Date:  Fall 2024 and spring 2025

Audience: Adults and Youth

Project or Activity: Fall Gardening

Content or Curriculum: Fall fruit and Vegetable Crops using roll covers

Inputs: Agent

Date: Fall 2024 and Fall 2025

Audience: Adults and Youth

Project or Activity: Cook Wild Ky 

Content or Curriculum: Cook Wild Ky

Inputs: Agent

Date: Spring 2025

Success Stories

Harvesting Health: A Meal Kit Event

Author: Laken Campbell

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Describe the Issue or Situation.Many families in the community face challenges in accessing fresh, healthy ingredients and lack knowledge about preparing nutritious meals. Additionally, there is a need for greater engagement with local health and wellness resources to promote holistic well-being. The community expressed a desire for opportunities to learn about nutrition, connect with local farms, and access practical health information that could improve family health habits.Describe the Outrea

Full Story

Tasting Through the Calendar: Raised Bed Edition

Author: Laken Campbell

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Describe the Issue or Situation.In Lee County, many residents have limited exposure to diverse vegetable varieties and may lack knowledge of how to prepare them in healthy and appealing ways. Encouraging residents to explore fresh, locally grown produce can promote healthier eating habits and increase awareness of the benefits of gardening.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The Lee County Extension Office Ag & Natural Resources Agent and FCS A

Full Story

Kids in the Kitchen

Author: Laken Campbell

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Describe the Issue or Situation.In Lee County, there was a growing concern about the lack of basic culinary skills, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity among children. Many parents reported that their children did not know how to prepare simple meals, understand the principles of food safety, or appreciate the importance of physical activity. This gap in knowledge was contributing to poor dietary habits and increasing the risk of childhood obesity.Describe the Outreach or Educational Prog

Full Story

Nutritious Foods

Author: Ted Johnson

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Tasting Through the Garden: Raised Bed Edition Success Story Describe the Issue or Situation In Lee County, many residents have limited exposure or access to diverse vegetable varieties and may lack knowledge of how to prepare them in healthy and appealing ways. Encouraging residents to explore fresh, locally grown produce can promote healthier eating habits and increase awareness of the benefits of gardening.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if

Full Story

Poultry Processing

Author: Ted Johnson

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Poultry Program Success StoryDescribe the Issue or SituationA local homemaker approached the Lee County Extension Office seeking guidance on how to process chickens she planned to purchase. This request highlighted a broader need within the community for education on poultry management, processing, and preservation techniques. Many individuals lacked the knowledge and confidence to raise and process broilers effectively, creating an opportunity to address these gaps through a targeted educationa

Full Story