Washington County CES

County Emphasis:

Support Wellness of Washington County Citizens and Community

Concentration 1:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Concentration 2:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 3:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 4:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

Connected & Resilient Communities: Kentucky’s communities face unique challenges that require enhancing connectivity and resilience through digital access, social cohesion, and well-designed public spaces. Broadband access remains critical, particularly in rural areas where digital connectivity gaps hinder economic and educational opportunities. The 2023 Community Needs Assessment identified improved broadband and digital literacy as top priorities for enhancing community resilience.  Extension’s connectivity and resilience efforts focus on supporting local economies and helping communities recover from economic shifts and natural disasters (CEDIK, 2024). By promoting digital literacy, educating on safe and vibrant outdoor spaces, and implementing place-based disaster preparedness programs, Extension strengthens community connections and economic sustainability. These initiatives benefit residents, businesses, and local governments, fostering stronger, more resilient communities equipped to face future challenges. 

Youth Focus: In today’s rapidly evolving world, youth are and can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected and resilient communities. Young people are leveraging technology and social networks to foster strong, supportive relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. They are actively engaged in community-building activities, promoting access to opportunity, and driving change. By participating in local and global initiatives, they are not only enhancing their own resilience but also contributing to the overall strength and adaptability of their communities. Their innovative approaches to problem-solving and their commitment to sustainability are essential in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. As they continue to collaborate and share knowledge, youth are laying the foundation for a more connected and resilient world. 4H is committed to providing the resources necessary to promote youth connection in their communities. Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). Communities that promote the indicators of youth thriving will have more connected, capable, and committed citizens that can critically think through addressing the needs and priorities of their community. 

Food Safety, Quality, and Access: 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.

Youth Focus: 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.  

Mental Health and Well-Being: More than ever before, people are feeling the burden of stress on their wellbeing. More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness; in Kentucky, 43% of adults report signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression across their lifespan. At the same time, suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in Kentucky for individuals aged 10-34, and those over the age of 59. Concern over the state of mental health and access to care was echoed in the Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, where respondents listed “improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources” as one of the top 6 priority issues. Kentuckians are aware of their need for knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to a mental health challenge, whether it be their own or to help someone else, and the ability to advocate for more mental health resources in all areas of the state. Cooperative Extension is poised with the research and evidence-based resources needed to serve as a beacon of hope in times of distress through our ability to help overcome stigma, connect people to care, and amplify the voices of many to advocate for better quality of life for all. 

Youth Focus: Kentucky’s youth population deserves safe and nurturing environments that foster their growth and wellbeing. Unfortunately, mental health challenges affect a significant portion of our youth, with 17% of those aged 6-17 experiencing mental health disorders, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (2023), and only 50% receiving treatment. The impact is profound, with one person in the U.S. dying by suicide every 11 minutes, and in Kentucky alone, 800 lives were lost to suicide in 2022. Recognizing the urgency, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service’s 2019 and 2023 statewide programming issue surveys highlighted mental health and wellbeing as priority areas. Nationally, 45% of 4-H participants reported high stress in a 2023 survey by 4-H.org. The University of Kentucky Community Needs Assessment (2023) indicates priorities of improve access to mental health and wellbeing resources, minimizing bullying and/or school violence, stronger parenting and relationship-building skills, and social, emotional, and/or behavioral education for adults working with youth. To address these concerns, the 4-H Program provides evidence-based educational programs focused on positive mental health and self-care, aiming to empower youth with decision-making and critical thinking skills, fostering resilience and overall wellbeing. By emphasizing mental health and offering targeted educational initiatives, we can create a brighter future for Kentucky’s youth.   

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery: Though substance use and substance use disorder have been pressing social problems for decades, the public health burden and consequence associated with substance use has rapidly worsened in recent years. Drug overdoses have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of accidental death and overdoses have contributed to a reduction in average life expectancy in the US. Much of the substance use-related morbidity and mortality is a result of a persistent treatment gap. Each year, about 90% of people who need treatment for SUD in Kentucky do not receive it. To address this gap in service provision, more community-level programming is required to meet the complex needs of Kentuckians who use drugs. Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned, both with deep connections to each Kentucky county and with its transdisciplinary team of specialists, to address the holistic needs of Kentuckians who use drugs including mental health, fair housing, second-chance employment, nutrition and physical health, and much more 

Youth Focus: Substance use and substance use disorder are persistent public health problems in Kentucky. Kentucky youth fare worse than their US counterparts in terms of numerous indicators of drug use and drug-related harm including cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, vaping, alcohol use, and illicit drug use such as opioid and methamphetamine use. Accordingly, the recent University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2023) indicated substance use prevention is the primary concern among most Kentucky counties. Nevertheless, few Kentucky communities support prevention efforts that are informed by research. Cooperative Extension is well-positioned with deep collaborative community ties to support evidence-based prevention programming. Such programs may target substance use directly or indirectly by focusing on pertinent risk and protective factors and promoting overall well-being for Kentucky youth. 

County Situation:

Results from the 2023 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment identified the following issues as top priorities in Washington County: minimizing youth substance use, youth life skill training opportunities, and ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious food.

According to countyhealthrankings.org, Washington County adult residents reported the following statistics related to wellness: 20% are in fair or poor health, 26% report no physical activity outside of work, and 15% of people did not have a reliable source of food. Individuals who lack healthy lifestyles are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Connected & Resilient Communities: 

Adult

• Increased digital access improves economic and educational opportunities.
• Communities recover faster from disasters/economic disruptions
• Sustained investment in public spaces strengthens local economies
• Cultural heritage is preserved and integrated into communities
• Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing
• Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement

Youth

• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
• Youth participation in community involvement increases.
• Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community. 
• Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future.

Food Safety, Quality, and Access:

Adult

• Individuals and families of all incomes levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods
• Family farms become economically viable.
• Kentucky’s local food and agriculture industry are thriving.
• Decrease in the number of Kentuckians with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
• More Kentuckians routinely met the guidelines for the consumption of (locally-grown) fresh fruits and vegetables.

Youth

• Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.    
• Youth increase educational outcomes.  
• Youth decrease poor overall health. 

Mental Health and Well-Being:

Adult

• Reduced incidence of mental health crises and suicide
• Increased access to mental health care and resources for all

Youth

• Kentucky 4-H members report a reduced number of youth that are considering suicide.  
• Increased number of 4-Hers who pursue mental health & well-being employment.  
• Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in 4-H Health and Well Being.

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery: 

Adult

• Increased recovery capital
• Reduced adult substance use
• Reduced adult substance use disorder
• Reduced adult overdose fatalities
• Reduced stigma related to adult substance use
• Improved quality of life

Youth

• Improved social and emotional competency
• Reduced youth substance use
• Reduced youth substance use disorder
• Reduced youth overdose fatalities
• Reduced stigma related to youth substance use
• Improved quality of life

Intermediate Outcomes:

Connected & Resilient Communities:

Adult

• More citizens adopt digital tools for work and daily life.
• Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
• More public spaces are revitalized for community engagement.
• Increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs.
• More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups.
• New partnerships and networks address community challenges

Youth

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.
• Youth will plan and implement a service project. 

Food Safety, Quality, and Access:

Adult

• Increase and/or strengthen statewide and regional partnership to address community food system issues.
• Increased production of Kentucky-grown food and increased market opportunities for those products.
• Increase in the number of farmers’ markets and local food retailers that accept one or more food benefits as payment.
• Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.
• Increased number of entrepreneurial food businesses.

Youth

• Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  
• Youth will practice food safety.  
• Youth will access nutritious foods.  
• Youth will prepare nutritious foods.  
• Youth will eat a variety of healthy foods daily. 

Mental Health and Well-Being:

Adult

• Increased use of de-stigmatized language
• Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies
• Increased advocacy for mental health and wellbeing resources
• Increased partnerships (number or strength) to address mental health and wellbeing issues within the community

Youth

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

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery: 

Adult

• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based recovery capital-building programs
• Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder

Youth

• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs
• Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention

 

Initial Outcomes:

Connected & Resilient Communities:

Adult

• Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources.
• Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
• Greater awareness of the benefits of public spaces.
• Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity.
• Improved awareness of civic engagement opportunities.
• Greater knowledge of community partnerships and collaboration strategies

Youth

• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).
• Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.
• Youth realize how their actions impact others. 

Food Safety, Quality, and Access:

Adult

• Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.
• Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.
• Increased participation in Homebased Microprocessing workshops.
• Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods.
• Increase the number of partnerships and/or coalitions involved in promoting awareness of local food systems, healthy eating, and active living (e.g. Program councils, Health Advisory Boards, etc.).

Youth

• Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices.  
• Youth will learn the importance of food safety.  
• Youth learn how to access nutritious foods.  
• Youth will learn how to prepare nutritious foods.  
• Youth will aspire to eat a variety of healthy foods daily.

Mental Health and Well-Being:

Adult

• Increased ability to recognize and respond to a mental health concern
• Increased ability to use de-stigmatized language
• Increased knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies
• Increased knowledge of mental health and well-being resources (interpersonal and community-based)

Youth

• Increased knowledge of positive mental health practices  
• Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  
• Improved attitudes and beliefs towards healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  
• Increased knowledge of general wellness practices 

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery: 

Adult

Substance use prevention and recovery behaviors for adults include, but are not limited to, pro-social activity, employability, building supportive networks, healthy coping and stress management, and mental health support.

• Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder
• Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
• Increased confidence making decision related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
• Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language
• Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). 

Youth

Substance use prevention and recovery behaviors for youth include, but are not limited to, pro-social activity, positively relating to parents and other non-parental adults, building supportive networks, healthy coping and stress management, substance use refusal self-efficacy, and peer pressure management.

• Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects
• Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
• Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
• Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language
• Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).

Evaluation:

Connected & Resilient Communities:

Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (short term)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.

Method: Pre- and post-training survey.

Timeline: Collected before and after each session.

Outcome: Short Term 4-H Camp

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they take responsibility for their actions.   
• Number of youth who reported 4-H Camp improved their ability to manage their emotions. 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: End of Camp

Outcome: Short Term (Civic Education/Global Education)

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they identified community needs.  
• Number of youth who expressed interest in expanding their knowledge of other cultures.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can identify aspects of their own culture.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can name one responsibility they have as a citizen.  
• Number of youth who report increased confidence interacting with others as a result of their participation in Extension arts activities.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Immediately post program

Food Safety, Quality, and Access:

Outcome: Increased awareness and accessibility of Extension resources and programs supporting food access. (initial)

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, Champion Food Volunter Leader Training; the Learning Kitchen Participant follow-up eval. TBD; # of certified Champion Food Volunteers in each county;

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

Outcome: Short Term  

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. 
• Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of egg and/or poultry food safety practices.
• Number of youth who demonstrated/reported improved egg and/or poultry cooking skills.
• Method: Evaluation Provided by Animal Food Sciences Department

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Mental Health and Well-Being:

Outcome: Increased ability to recognize and respond to a mental health concern

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of how to respond to mental health concerns.

Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results

Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

Outcome: Increased knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies

Indicator: Number of participants who intend to adopt self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being.

Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results

Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery: 

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased ability to use destigmatized language

Method: Self-reported surveys

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

Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery (initial)

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address substance use/recovery in the community

Method: Program metrics (agents will track and report based on their activities and partnerships related to substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery)

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills) (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming.
• Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Learning Opportunities:

Connected & Resilient Communities:

Audience: 4-Hers, Professional Staff, & Clientele

Project or Activity: 4-H Capitol Experience

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, civic engagement, and service. In addition to these sources are the vetted sources of 4-H Capitol Experience Handbook and Facilitator Guide, iCivics.org, CommonSense.org, and PBS Learning Media. 

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.

Date: Winter 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Camp

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H, the Land Grant System and American Camp Association.

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders.  

Date: 4-H Program Year

Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

Content or Curriculum: EDEN materials, KHERN publications, trainings, continuing education

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Food Safety, Quality, and Access:

Audience: Individuals & Farmers

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Faithful Families, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Food as Health Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials, www.planeatmove.com, Super Star Chef, Farm to School, 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. 

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Cooking: 101, 201, 301, 401 

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 

Dates: September 1 – August 30 

Mental Health and Well-Being:

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Mental Health Access and Advocacy  

Content or Curriculum: BARN (Bringing Awareness Right Now) Farm Dinner Theater, Pathways to Wellness, Building and Maintaining Health Coalitions

Inputs: Programmatic materials, state specialist support, staff training, facilities, community partners (health coalitions, schools, local non-profits, etc.), UK Healthcare mental health resources, 988 community resources.

Date: Ongoing; 2025-2029

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery: 

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Stigma Reduction

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Language Matters, Addiction 101 Engaging People with Lived Experience (Testimonies), Mind Art Recovery Kentucky

Inputs: Programmatic materials, community partners, ASAP Boards and Community Coalitions, residential treatment centers, detention centers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and clergy

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Substance Use Prevention Programming, Truth and Consequences

Content or Curriculum: Strengthening Families, 4-H Health Rocks, Engaging People with Lived Experience (testimonies),

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, health coalitions, schools and school staff

Date: Ongoing

Evaluation:

Connected & Resilient Communities:

Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (short term)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.

Method: Pre- and post-training survey.

Timeline: Collected before and after each session.

Outcome: Short Term 4-H Camp

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they take responsibility for their actions.   
• Number of youth who reported 4-H Camp improved their ability to manage their emotions. 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: End of Camp

Outcome: Short Term (Civic Education/Global Education)

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they identified community needs.  
• Number of youth who expressed interest in expanding their knowledge of other cultures.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can identify aspects of their own culture.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can name one responsibility they have as a citizen.  
• Number of youth who report increased confidence interacting with others as a result of their participation in Extension arts activities.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Immediately post program

Food Safety, Quality, and Access:

Outcome: Increased awareness and accessibility of Extension resources and programs supporting food access. (initial)

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, Champion Food Volunter Leader Training; the Learning Kitchen Participant follow-up eval. TBD; # of certified Champion Food Volunteers in each county;

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

Outcome: Short Term  

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. 
• Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of egg and/or poultry food safety practices.
• Number of youth who demonstrated/reported improved egg and/or poultry cooking skills.
• Method: Evaluation Provided by Animal Food Sciences Department

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Mental Health and Well-Being:

Outcome: Increased ability to recognize and respond to a mental health concern

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of how to respond to mental health concerns.

Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results

Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

Outcome: Increased knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies

Indicator: Number of participants who intend to adopt self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being.

Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results

Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery: 

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased ability to use destigmatized language

Method: Self-reported surveys

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

Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery (initial)

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address substance use/recovery in the community

Method: Program metrics (agents will track and report based on their activities and partnerships related to substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery)

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills) (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming.
• Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration