Trimble County CES

County Emphasis:

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Skill Development

Concentration 1:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 2:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 3:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 4:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is linked to lower rates of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and a better overall quality of life. However, knowing how to properly select, prepare, and preserve fresh produce remains a challenge for many Kentuckians.

To increase fresh food consumption and reduce these barriers, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) works to expand access to fresh produce and build public knowledge around safe food handling and preservation. CES partners with organizations such as the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, KY Farm to School Network, and Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife to create statewide systems that support fresh food access and nutrition education. These collaborative efforts promote healthier communities through policy, systems, and environmental changes.

Economic challenges also affect food access and well-being. Kentucky’s median household income is approximately $55,100—just 74% of the national average—and an estimated 62% of households do not earn enough to meet basic living standards. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) emphasizes the need for programs that boost employment and workforce participation.

CES addresses this by offering life and job skills training to help adults across Kentucky build human capital. Programs focus on workforce readiness, financial literacy, communication, and professionalism—skills Kentuckians identified as top priorities in the 2023 Community Needs Assessment.

Disparities in access to healthcare, nutrition, education, and safe environments continue to impact health outcomes across the state. The same assessment revealed that access to affordable, nutritious food and reducing youth obesity were among the most urgent issues for communities. In response, CES, guided by the National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, is strengthening its role as a public health partner by delivering holistic health, wellness, and nutrition programs that support lifelong well-being.

County Situation:

Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is closely tied to lower rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, along with improved overall quality of life. Yet for many in Trimble County, understanding how to properly choose, prepare, and preserve fresh produce remains a barrier—even when access is available.

To help overcome these challenges, the Trimble County office of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is working to both improve access to fresh food and increase local knowledge around safe food handling, preparation, and preservation. CES collaborates with partners like the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, KY Farm to School Network, and Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife to support systems that strengthen fresh food availability and nutrition education across rural counties like Trimble.

Economic realities in Trimble County also impact residents’ ability to afford and prioritize nutritious food. With Kentucky’s median household income hovering around $55,100—just 74% of the national average—and nearly 62% of households statewide earning below the living wage threshold, economic development and workforce support remain vital. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) highlights the need to grow employment opportunities and support working-age adults.

In response, CES in Trimble County delivers programs aimed at building life and job skills for local residents. Through education in workforce readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and communication, CES is helping adults strengthen their human capital and prepare for long-term employment—needs echoed in the 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, where building life and job skills ranked among the top concerns.

Health disparities due to limited access to care, nutritious food, and safe environments are evident across Trimble County. Community input from the assessment ranked “access to affordable nutritious foods” and “reducing youth obesity” among the top local priorities. Informed by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, Trimble County CES is committed to being a key public health partner. Through community-based nutrition, health, and wellness programs, we aim to support healthier lifestyles and improve long-term well-being for families across the county.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• More Kentuckians routinely met the guidelines for the consumption of (locally-grown) fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Increased human capital among Kentuckians
• Improved quality of life
• Increased recovery capital

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.
• Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills
• Increased salary/income
• Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety
• Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder

Initial Outcomes:

• Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.
• Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.
• Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods.
• Strengthening work and life skills, including but not limited to, developing workforce development skills, employability and interpersonal skills, and work-life management strategies. 
  • Developed skills related to workforce development
  • Improved employability and interpersonal skills
  • Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
  • Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors.
  • Increased confidence in making decisions related to health-promoting behaviors.
  • Improved skills related to health-promoting behaviors
  • Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery

    
    

    
    
    
    

Evaluation:

Initial

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: Developed skills related to workforce development (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported learning new skills to prepare or improved themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. (initial)

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, Champion Food Volunteer, Food Preservation;

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

Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported/demonstrates improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of a participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

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 (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).

Intermediate

Outcome: Implementation of employability strategies/skills (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method: Self-reported surveys

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

Outcome: Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family and community health (e.g., physical activity, consuming nutritious foods, routine vaccinations and screenings) (intermediate)

Indicator: 

Number of physical activity minutes recorded by a participant

Number of participants who reported consuming more nutritious foods and/or beverages

Number of participants who reported a change in a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Self-reported surveys

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

Long-term 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, Publications, Food Preservation, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Food as Health Toolkit, Family Mealtime, www.planeatmove.com, Super Star Chef

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

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Development of Employability Skills

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability; Preparing for Financial Success curriculum; publications, newsletters (e.g., MONEYWI$E); Job Club; podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; Enhancing Essential Skills Through the Arts curriculum and lessons, publications

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Tri-County Community Action Agency, Court system, community centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Families & Individuals

Project or Activity: Physical Activity

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Faithful Families, Story Walks, Health and wellness Ambassadors, Shared Space Agreements, Health Coalitions, WIN, Health Partners, Bingocize, Walk Your Way, Families on the Move, County Walking Challenges, Mindfulness Trails, Fit Tips, Hiking for Health

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, health coalitions, healthcare providers, health department, non-profits, schools, company health & wellness, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing/seasonal

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Addiction Education

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Addiction 101, Harm Reduction 101

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

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Young & Beginning Farmers/ Producers

Project or Activity: Farming Safely

Content or Curriculum: lawncare safety, chainsaw safety, tractor rollover, hooking up equipment, livestock handling, etc.

Inputs: publications, KDA trainings, UK Extension Specialist,  community partners, etc. 

Date: ongoing 

Audience: Community Members

Project or Activity: Nature Walks/Hikes

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Evaluation:

Initial

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: Developed skills related to workforce development (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported learning new skills to prepare or improved themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. (initial)

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, Champion Food Volunteer, Food Preservation;

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

Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported/demonstrates improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of a participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

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 (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).

Intermediate

Outcome: Implementation of employability strategies/skills (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method: Self-reported surveys

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

Outcome: Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family and community health (e.g., physical activity, consuming nutritious foods, routine vaccinations and screenings) (intermediate)

Indicator: 

Number of physical activity minutes recorded by a participant

Number of participants who reported consuming more nutritious foods and/or beverages

Number of participants who reported a change in a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Self-reported surveys

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

Long-term