Championing Wellness and Balanced Living for Grant CountiansPlan of Work
Grant County CES
County Emphasis:
Championing Wellness and Balanced Living for Grant Countians
Concentration 1:
Health and Wellbeing
Concentration 2:
Family and Youth Development
Concentration 3:
Mental Health and Well-Being
Concentration 4:
Food Safety, Quality, and Access
Situation:
The health and well-being of adults and families in Kentucky are influenced by significant disparities in access to health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure. These gaps contribute to higher rates of chronic conditions, mental health challenges, and reduced quality of life, often leaving individuals to navigate complex systems alone. External factors such as access to nutritious food, education, healthcare, and safe environments are critical but have long been under-addressed. The 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Assessment identified key concerns including food access, youth obesity, and mental health, highlighting a strong demand for improved resources and education. Additionally, there is a statewide need to build leadership capacity within communities to strengthen family development and economic growth. Extension efforts that support mental health, physical wellness, and leadership development, particularly through volunteer training and family programs are vital to fostering resilience, promoting social and emotional well-being, and ensuring long-term community stability. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, these initiatives offer meaningful solutions to the complex health challenges facing Kentuckians today.
County Situation:
Grant County faces a number of health and wellness challenges that underscore the critical need for extension programming. According to recent data, 19.2% of adults in the county report fair or poor health, with nearly one in five experiencing 14 or more days of poor mental health each month (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps). Furthermore, 30.3% of adults report no leisure-time physical activity, and over 37% have obesity, a risk factor for many chronic conditions (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps). Mental health concerns are further highlighted by the county's 5.5 average mentally unhealthy days per month and 22 mental health providers serving the population (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps). Access to nutritious food also remains a significant barrier, with 11.1% of the population experiencing food insecurity (Map the Meal Gap. Feeding America) and 2,936 individuals relying on SNAP benefits (Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture). The limited number of grocery stores, just three in the entire county, further restricts access to healthy food options. Additionally, with 6.8% of residents under 65 uninsured (Small Areas Health Insurance Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau) and 18.2% carrying medical debt in collections (Debt in America. Urban Institute), many face financial and logistical obstacles to receiving care. These figures reflect a clear call for action and justify targeted extension programming that addresses physical and mental health, nutrition, and access to care. Through health education, community engagement, and leadership development, UK Cooperative Extension can play a vital role in promoting wellness and resilience throughout Grant County.
Long-Term Outcomes:
- Routinely meeting guidelines and recommendations for health behaviors that promote wellness and quality of life
- Community environments that equitably support health-promoting behaviors where people live, learn, work, and play
- Improved quality of family life
- Increased kindergarten readiness rates in the county and state
- Reduced incidence of mental health crises and suicide
- Individuals and families of all incomes levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods
- Decrease in the number of Kentuckians with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
- Kentucky 4-H members report decreased obesity.
- Increased number of 4-Hers who pursue employment in the health and wellbeing field.
- 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.
- Kentucky 4-H members report a reduced number of youth that are considering suicide.
- Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.
- Youth increase educational outcomes.
- Youth decrease poor overall health.
Intermediate Outcomes:
- Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety
- Participants gain confidence to lead
- Leaders are inspired to get more involved
- Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy community, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together.
- Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies
- Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.
- Increased production of Kentucky-grown food and increased market opportunities for those products.
- 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.
- 4-H members will increase physical activity.
- 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.
Initial Outcomes:
- Increased confidence in making decisions related to health-promoting behaviors.
- Improved skills related to health-promoting behaviors
- Taking on leadership roles for the first time
- Improved leadership skills
- 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 knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies
- Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.
- Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.
- 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
- 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.
Evaluation:
Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings) (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 intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g. vaccinations, screenings, preparation/consumption of nutritious foods, active living, pest prevention) (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported intentions to implement a behavior learned from a health and well-being program
Method: Demonstration or self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)
Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication).
Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)
Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation
Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)
Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)
Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)
Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.
Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
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) (initial)
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
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
Outcome: Increased implementation of self-care and other coping strategies
Indicator: Number of participants who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being.
Method: Follow-up survey/evaluation results
Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program
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 participation in Homebased Microprocessing workshops. (initial)
Indicator:
- Number of farms or food businesses who retained or expanded market opportunities and/or sales including locally produced foods.
- Number of individuals who attended certificate-based training on food safety, food preservation, food processing, liability, and/or marketing. (This includes: PBPT, Produce Safety Alliance Training, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, Value Chain Coordination Services Training, Farmers Market Sampling, Home-based Microprocessing….).
Method: HBM Post-Workshop Evaluation
Timeline: Annual (calendar year)
Outcome: Short Term
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 ways to be physically active
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.
- Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: Immediately after program/event
Outcome: Medium Term
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.
- Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests.
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: End of Club/Program Year
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation 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
Outcome: Short Term
Indicator:
- Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address mental health and wellbeing for youth in the community.
- Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of how to respond to mental health concerns.
- Number of youth who intend to adopt self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Number of youth who intend to adopt strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community.
- Number of youth who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in mental health and wellbeing programming.
Method: Survey
Timeline: Immediately post-program
Outcome: Medium Term
Indicator:
- Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Number of youth who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community.
- Number of youth who reported behavior change as a result of participation in mental health and wellbeing programming.
Method: Survey
Timeline: 3-6 Months post-program
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method: Survey or Interview
Timeline: 1+ years
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
Outcome: Medium Term
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: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline: End of the program year
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline: 1 or more years
Learning Opportunities:
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Family & Community Health
Content or Curriculum: Publications, presentations, trainings, demonstrations, Health Bulletins, Pathways to Wellness, resources for early care and education settings, Health Literacy for the Win, Health Family Guides, Healthy Homemakers, Vaccine and on-site clinic opportunities, chronic disease prevention programs and materials, health fairs, hygiene education
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, health coalitions, healthcare providers, health departments, non-profits, faith-based organizations, schools, company health & wellness, 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 & Individuals
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, Cook Wild Ky, Food as Health Toolkit, Recovery Garden Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials,
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organization, health coalitions, healthcare Providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, company health and wellness, Homemakers, farmers’ markets, local farms/growers/producers, commodity groups, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Kindergarten Readiness
Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn Playdates, Understanding Disability, Information Releases, and Publications
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organizations, HeadStart/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: Parenting Education
Content or Curriculum: Active Parenting 4th ed., Parenting A Second Time Around, Parent Express Newsletter, Laughter in Marriage is a Must, Information releases and Publications, Am I Lying to My Child When I Say the Tooth Fairy is Real?; Navigating Trauma After a Natural Disaster; Understanding Suicide; Living with Loss: Self-Care and Managing Grief; Entertaining Little Ones; Pathways to Wellness: Navigating the people, places, and spaces that influence health; Inspiring Grandchildren to become Grand Cooks; Emergency Health Information Cards; Time Well Spent: Organizing Tips for Increased Productivity; In the Face of Natural Disaster Toolkit; Athletic Performance (Nutrition); Cook Together, Eat Together; Eating for Health; Faithful Families; Food Safety; Family Mealtime; Increasing Powerhouse Vegetables; Making Health Lifestyle Choices; Making the Most of Meals while Traveling; Maternal and Child Health; Vegetables for Wellness; Home is Where the Health Is; Piecing it Together: Essential Skills for Single Parent Families; How to Help Military Families; Feed Hungry Young Minds through Storybook Adventures; Life Story/Memory Banking; Understanding Risky Adolescent Behavior and Health Brain Development; Building Your Preschooler’s Financial Capacity; Traveling Light; Grandparent and Grandchildren Together; Parent Express; Keys to Great Parenting
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, Family Resource Youth Support Coordinators; Department of Community Based Services, health departments, non-profits, faith-based organizations, schools, company health & wellness, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing
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
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Mental Health Education Programming
Content or Curriculum: Adult Mental Health First Aid, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), CODE RED, ACT (Awareness, Communication, and Triage and Treat) for Farm Families, Understanding and Coping with Trauma after Natural Disasters, After the Storm, Blue to You
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
Audience: Individuals & Farmers
Project or Activity: Home Based Micro Processing
Content or Curriculum: HBMP Training materials
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, health department, State of Kentucky, KDA, non-profits, schools, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, farmers, farmers’ markets, etc.
Dates: Ongoing
Audience: Individuals & Farmers
Project or Activity: Cook Wild
Content or Curriculum: Publications, trainings, recipes
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, non-profits, 4-H, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, etc.
Dates: Ongoing
Audience: Communities
Project or Activity: School, Community or Recovery Gardens
Content or Curriculum: NEP “Grow your own” publications, Hort. Dept. publications, youth gardening curriculum, Recovery Garden Toolkit
Inputs: Gardening materials, paid staff, community partners, 4-H, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, schools, recovery centers, Nutrition Education Program
Dates: Ongoing
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation
Content or Curriculum: Jump Into Food and Fitness
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
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: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity: Behavioral Health Fellowship
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s master of social work program. All curriculum pieces focus on social work practices that include mental health, communication, and community engagement.
Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Martin-Gatton of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Cooperative Extension, and College of Social Work, funding is provided by the College of Social Work and Cooperative Extension, state and federal sources, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and students.
Date: Academic Year
Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity: Community, Access & Engagement Programs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H LIFE utilizes the curriculum Essential Elements which is sourced from Shop 4-H. Additional curriculum and content is sourced from Shop 4-H and other Land Grant Systems. Content for Adelante 4-H has been developed by the Land Grant System and sourced from other Land Grant systems. Content for Jr. MANRRS is sourced from the MANRRS society. All curriculum and content focuses on building community, as well as increasing access and engagement of youth.
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: Program Year
Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity: 4-H State Task Forces
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on health and wellbeing. Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know, Mental Health First Aid, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Youth Strong: Helping Youth and Families in Times of Disaster and Stress
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: Program Year
Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity: Youth Strong: Helping Youth and Families in Times of Disaster and Stress (Club/Group/Individual)
Content or Curriculum: Youth Strong: Helping Youth and Families in Times of Disaster and Stress Guidebook. Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know, Mental Health First Aid, and National Alliance on Mental Illness.
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. Focus is on Youth who have experienced traumatic experiences or disasters.
Date: Program Year
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation
Content or Curriculum: Teen Cuisine, Culinary Challenge
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
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
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation
Content or Curriculum: Put It Up: Food Preservation
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
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation
Content or Curriculum: International Foods, Passport Kitchen, Global Table
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
Evaluation:
Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings) (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 intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g. vaccinations, screenings, preparation/consumption of nutritious foods, active living, pest prevention) (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported intentions to implement a behavior learned from a health and well-being program
Method: Demonstration or self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)
Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication).
Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)
Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation
Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)
Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)
Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)
Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.
Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
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) (initial)
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
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
Outcome: Increased implementation of self-care and other coping strategies
Indicator: Number of participants who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being.
Method: Follow-up survey/evaluation results
Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program
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 participation in Homebased Microprocessing workshops. (initial)
Indicator:
- Number of farms or food businesses who retained or expanded market opportunities and/or sales including locally produced foods.
- Number of individuals who attended certificate-based training on food safety, food preservation, food processing, liability, and/or marketing. (This includes: PBPT, Produce Safety Alliance Training, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, Value Chain Coordination Services Training, Farmers Market Sampling, Home-based Microprocessing….).
Method: HBM Post-Workshop Evaluation
Timeline: Annual (calendar year)
Outcome: Short Term
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 ways to be physically active
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.
- Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: Immediately after program/event
Outcome: Medium Term
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.
- Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests.
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: End of Club/Program Year
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation 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
Outcome: Short Term
Indicator:
- Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address mental health and wellbeing for youth in the community.
- Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of how to respond to mental health concerns.
- Number of youth who intend to adopt self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Number of youth who intend to adopt strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community.
- Number of youth who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in mental health and wellbeing programming.
Method: Survey
Timeline: Immediately post-program
Outcome: Medium Term
Indicator:
- Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Number of youth who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community.
- Number of youth who reported behavior change as a result of participation in mental health and wellbeing programming.
Method: Survey
Timeline: 3-6 Months post-program
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method: Survey or Interview
Timeline: 1+ years
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
Outcome: Medium Term
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: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline: End of the program year
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline: 1 or more years
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