Ballard County CES

County Emphasis:

Strengthening Healthy Families, Food Systems Accessibility, and Wellness for All

Concentration 1:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 2:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 3:

Health and Wellbeing

Situation:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Adult)

It is proven that people who have access to and consume their daily dietary requirements of fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and have an increased quality of life. Having the knowledge and skills to prepare or preserve fresh fruits and vegetables presents an additional barrier beyond obtaining fresh food access. 

With the goal of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) aims to increase access to fresh food, as well as increase knowledge and awareness of how to select, store, safely prepare, process, and preserve these foods. CES prioritizes statewide partnership development that helps us meet our goals and objectives. We collaborate with statewide agencies including Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, KY Farm to School Network, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and others to help build statewide systems that increase access and usage of fresh fruits and vegetables. These programs benefit Kentuckians because they support food access policy, systems and environmental changes in communities and across the state. They increase knowledge of how to grow, prepare, and preserve fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth)

Kentucky faces significant health and economic challenges, with five of the top ten causes of death being nutrition-related. According to the Obesity Action Coalition the cost of obesity reached $36.31 billion. The rapidly changing social and economic landscape underscores the need for a healthy, productive, and engaged young people to contribute to a prepared workforce and engaged community to tackle these challenges. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System's 2023 Community Needs Assessment identifies critical priorities, including access to affordable nutritious food, reducing youth obesity through improved nutrition and exercise, and enhancing youth wellbeing through effective coping strategies. Kentucky 4-H plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by equipping young people with essential skills in nutrition, culinary arts, financial education, and entrepreneurship. 69% of youth reported that they learned about healthy food choices in 4-H. 4-H youth report an increase in preparing meals together as a family, increase in meals eaten as a family, and confidence in the kitchen. These programs not only foster healthier, more resilient individuals, but also contribute to the development of engaged citizens prepared to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Family and Youth Development

Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.

Health and Wellbeing (Youth)

Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). According to Kentucky Kids Count Database (AECF, 2023) 41% of Kentucky teenagers are obese or overweight. Youth are also experiencing alarming levels of negativity about themselves, their confidence in the future, and their ability to find contentment in life (McKinsey & Company, 2022). 30% of youth are chronically absent (United States Department of Education, 2024). The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2024) identified key priorities issues related to health and wellbeing as need for improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources, reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise, minimizing bullying and/or school violence. To address these issues, Kentucky 4-H creates opportunities for youth in the five domains of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health and well-being.

County Situation:

Long-Term Outcomes:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Adult)

• Individuals and families of all income levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth)

• Youth increase educational outcomes.

Family and Youth Development

• Increased support network
• Increased kindergarten readiness rates in the county and state

Health and Wellbeing (Youth)  

• Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in the 4-H Health and Well-Being Core Content Area.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Adult)

• Improve dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins, and the number of meals prepared at home.  

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth)

• Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices. 
• Youth will practice food safety. 

Family and Youth Development

• Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy community, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together.
• Enhanced community partnerships that equitably support family health (e.g., FRYSC, Health Department).

Health and Wellbeing (Youth)  

• 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.
• Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to health and well-being among 4-Hers.  

Initial Outcomes:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Adult)

• Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods. 
• Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth)

• Youth will learn the importance of food safety.
• Youth learn how to access nutritious foods.
• Youth will learn how to prepare nutritious foods.

Family and Youth Development

• Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., reading to your child, spending time together, self-care, caregiver preparation, active living). 
• Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiving across the life span. 
• Increased awareness of community resources to support healthy families.

Health and Wellbeing (Youth)  

• Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.
• Improved attitudes and beliefs towards healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.

Evaluation:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Adult)

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and accessibility of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.

Indicator: 

• Number of individuals reporting an increased awareness of how to find and prepare local food, including responsible hunting/fishing/foraging.
• Number of policy, systems, and/or environmental changes implemented within communities and organizations to promote active living, and healthy eating, including local food production and/or hunting/foraging and consumption (e.g. local food pantry can accept fresh foods or local game; starting/revitalizing a school or community garden; starting a walking club, etc.).
• Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding nutrition and accessing healthy foods through Extension programs and resources.
• Number of individuals who were introduced to healthy food access points (e.g. farmers’ markets, CSAs, WIC, food pantries) through Extension programs or resources.

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Food Preservation 

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey) 

Initial Outcome: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.

Indicator: 

• Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding the safe storage, handling, preparation and/or preservation of food through Extension programs and resources.
• Number of individuals who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew, harvested, or preserved (e.g. community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting)

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Food Preservation

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey) 

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth)

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

• Number of youth who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks.
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about safe food handling and preparation.
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about kitchen safety. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in Family Consumer Sciences.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety.
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills?? and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project.

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of Program Year

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family and Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: 1 or more years 

Family and Youth Development

Initial Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported they have used nurturing parenting and/or caregiving strategies to improve their skills. 

Method: Self-reported surveys 

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation 

Initial Outcome: Increased intentions to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., spending more quality time together, engaging in meaningful talk)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported they intend/plan to increase time spent nurturing and/or caregiving. 

Method: Self-reported surveys 

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

Intermediate Outcome: Enhanced community partnerships that equitably support family health (e.g., FRYSC, Health Department)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported seeking support from local community organizations and/or its individual member. 

Method: Self-reported surveys 

Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time 

Health and Wellbeing (Youth)

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community.
• Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.
• Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: Immediately after program/event

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.
• Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: End of Club/Program Year

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Long-term evaluations will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: 1 or more years

Learning Opportunities:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Adult and Youth)

Audience: Individuals & Farmers 

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education 

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Savor the Flavor,  Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Food as Health Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials, www.planeatmove.com, Hunger in Kentucky 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, healthcare Providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, company health & wellness, 4-H, Homemakers, farmers’ markets, local farmers/growers/producers, commodity groups, community centers, etc.  

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Community Garden

Content or Curriculum: NEP “Grow your own” publications, Hort. Dept. publications, youth gardening curriculum 

Inputs: Gardening materials, paid staff, community partners, 4-H, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, schools, recovery centers, Nutrition Education Program 

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation

Content or Curriculum: Exploring My Plate

Inputs:

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H/FCS projects.
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum.
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Date: September 1 – August 30

Family and Youth Development

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Kindergarten Readiness 

Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn Playdates and Publications 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organizations, Head Start/daycare organizations, healthcare providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, Homemakers, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Families and Individuals 

Project or Activity: Communication/Relationships Across the Lifespan 

Content or Curriculum: Pathways to Wellness, resources for early care and education settings, food system work (e.g., farmers’ markets, backpack programs, community gardens), SNAP-Ed toolkit, Mental Health Matters; In the Face of Disaster Toolkit,  WITS Workout, Grandparents and Grandchildren Together. 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, health coalitions, Nutrition Education Program, local farms/growers/producers, key stakeholders, elected officials, employee health and wellness, schools, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) Approaches 

Content or Curriculum: Resources for early case and education settings, food system work (e.g. farmers’ markets, backpack programs, community gardens), SNAP-Ed toolkit, creating and Maintaining Health Coalitions

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, health coalitions, Nutrition Education program, local farms/growers/producers, key stakeholders, elected officials, employee health and wellness, schools, etc.  

Date: Ongoing

Health and Wellbeing (Youth)

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Health

Content or Curriculum: 

• 4-H Health Rocks! Curriculum.
• Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know
• Substance Abuse
• Mental Health Services Administration.

Inputs:  

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects.
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association
• Four residential camping facilities.
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum.
• Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Date: September 1- August 30

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation

Content or Curriculum: Wellness in Kentucky 

Inputs: 

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H/FCS projects.
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum.
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Date: September 1- August 30

Evaluation:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Adult)

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and accessibility of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.

Indicator: 

• Number of individuals reporting an increased awareness of how to find and prepare local food, including responsible hunting/fishing/foraging.
• Number of policy, systems, and/or environmental changes implemented within communities and organizations to promote active living, and healthy eating, including local food production and/or hunting/foraging and consumption (e.g. local food pantry can accept fresh foods or local game; starting/revitalizing a school or community garden; starting a walking club, etc.).
• Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding nutrition and accessing healthy foods through Extension programs and resources.
• Number of individuals who were introduced to healthy food access points (e.g. farmers’ markets, CSAs, WIC, food pantries) through Extension programs or resources.

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Food Preservation 

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey) 

Initial Outcome: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.

Indicator: 

• Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding the safe storage, handling, preparation and/or preservation of food through Extension programs and resources.
• Number of individuals who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew, harvested, or preserved (e.g. community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting)

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Food Preservation

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey) 

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth)

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

• Number of youth who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks.
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about safe food handling and preparation.
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about kitchen safety. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in Family Consumer Sciences.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety.
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills?? and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project.

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of Program Year

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family and Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: 1 or more years 

Family and Youth Development

Initial Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported they have used nurturing parenting and/or caregiving strategies to improve their skills. 

Method: Self-reported surveys 

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation 

Initial Outcome: Increased intentions to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., spending more quality time together, engaging in meaningful talk)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported they intend/plan to increase time spent nurturing and/or caregiving. 

Method: Self-reported surveys 

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

Intermediate Outcome: Enhanced community partnerships that equitably support family health (e.g., FRYSC, Health Department)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported seeking support from local community organizations and/or its individual member. 

Method: Self-reported surveys 

Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time 

Health and Wellbeing (Youth)

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community.
• Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.
• Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: Immediately after program/event

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.
• Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: End of Club/Program Year

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Long-term evaluations will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: 1 or more years