Metcalfe County CES

County Emphasis:

Food, Nutrition, and Local Food Systems

Concentration 1:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 2:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 3:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 4:

Work and Life Skill Development

Situation:

  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, cardiovascular disease, and experience increased quality of life. Lacking the knowledge and skills to prepare or preserve fresh fruits and vegetables, presents an additional barrier beyond fresh food access. 

 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. With the goal of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, University of Kentucky CES facilitates increased access to fresh food; and knowledge/awareness of how to select, store, safely prepare, process, and preserve foods. 

 Small farm development is a crucial aspect of the Kentucky agricultural sector, especially in the context of supporting rural economies and ensuring food security. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) defines a small farm as an operation with a gross cash farm income of $250,000 or less. These farms are typically family-owned and operated, and they represent more than 90 percent of farms in the U.S. These farms face challenges such as urbanization, an aging farmer population, farm consolidation, new and beginning farmers, and changing climate patterns. Small farm development can be hindered by access to capital, markets, and technology. Additionally, owners of small farms may lack the knowledge or resources to implement sustainable practices that could improve their economic viability and environmental stewardship.

 Kentucky Cooperative Extension will continue to aid small farm owners by providing educational opportunities and increasing awareness of resources offered through various programs and online platforms. This includes developing new and improved practices to reduce production costs, protect and improve soil and water resources, and offer options for specialty crop production. Extension personnel will also promote whole farm plans, estate planning, farm transitions, risk management, and market opportunities.

County Situation:

  According to Kentucky by the numbers, Metcalfe Countians struggle with food insecurity with an overall food insecurity rate of 15.1%, the number of food insecure persons is 1,550.  The child food insecurity rate is 17.3%, with 420 food insecure child residents. Further, 996 students are identified as economically disadvantaged, based upon being eligible for free/reduced-priced school meals.  In Metcalfe Co. 12% of adults age 20+ are diagnosed with Diabetes, and 41.3 % report a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2.   

  Metcalfe County has 799 identified farms with 785 of those being identified as more than 50% family owned.  Twenty-three of these farms market their products directly to consumers, with 13 farms marketing their local or regionally branded products/value added products directly to retail markets, institutions, and/or food hubs.   

  In the most recent UK CES state-wide needs assessment Metcalfe County data, the following were related top priority issues for Metcalfe County: ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable, nutritious food; sustainability of family farms; reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise; strengthening/supporting the local food and agriculture industry; preserving/managing agriculture land; market support for locally grown/produced foods; providing increased market opportunities for farmers; efforts that support local/small businesses; opportunities that promote a sense of local community; food as health addressing food insecurity and diet related chronic diseases;  and educational opportunities about home food safety practices.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Reduce the rate of chronic disease and obesity, including County 4 – H/YD participants.
2. Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these       communities remain vibrant and connected.
3. Increased expenditure of resident food budget, in the local food system.

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Increase intake of water, fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods, including County 4 – H/YD participants.
2. Increased access to healthy food via local farmers markets, food retailers, and/or home gardens
3. Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial,   production, and environmental aspects.

Initial Outcomes:

1. Increase awareness about relationships between food and nutrition practices and chronic disease.
2. Increase motivation to access and prepare healthier foods, including County 4-HYD participants.
3. Facilitate connections between small farm owners and local markets, including urban markets, to help diversify sales     channels and improve income stability.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcomes:

1. Increase awareness about relationships between food and nutrition practices and chronic disease
2. Facilitate connections between small farm owners and local markets, including urban markets, to help diversify sales channels and improve income stability.
3. Increase motivation to access and prepare healthier foods

Indicator:

Pre-post program evaluation results, participant hands/on activity during and post program observable data collection, teacher observation of student participation, NEP program pre and post curriculum evaluation. Number of small local farms participating in Metcalfe and surrounding Counties Farmers Markets from year to year.

Method:

Administer/tally/analyze Extension/NEP pre and post program participant intention and learning indicator evaluations.  Observe/record participant practices/skills demonstration during program hands-on activities.  Analyze data collection from teachers observing Extension staff – led programs, in school and other settings.  Analyze annual Farmers Market participation data and share among surrounding county markets.  WIC and Senior Farmers Market voucher acceptance by Metcalfe Co. Small farmers.

Timeline:

Pre, during, and post program/season activities.

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Increase intake of water, fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods
2. Employ healthful cooking methods, feeding practices, and food preservation techniques
3. Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects.

Indicator:

Results from 3 – 6-week post program participant evaluative outreach contacts, long-term group program offering end of program data collection results, results from NEP pre and post program evaluation and food recalls. Number of small farm whole farm plans developed.

Method:

Qualtrics survey link, E-mail, or phone 3 – 6-week post-program, NEP participant food recall collection, participant follow – ups, end of long-term program offerings group evaluation (dot chart evals, feedback from teacher observers, etc.), NEP program pre and post program evaluation, farmers market customer data collection/season impact evaluation.

Timeline:

3-6 weeks post program outreach, at the end of long – term program offerings/NEP curriculum graduation/end of school year, end of main Farmers Market season etc.

Long-term Outcome: 

Increased access to healthy food via local farmers markets, food retailers, and/or home gardens

Indicator:

Results from Agent/Assistant/volunteer observation of local grocery outlet produce/fresh foods department stock, Farmers Market Facebook page weekly offerings posts, results from local gardening/microgreen growing program, and community gardening participant produce reports/photos.  Farmers Market producer daily self – repots of market sales day income, WICSRFMNP producer sales reports, SNAP sales reports, Farmers market customer counts.

Method:

Agents/staff/volunteers ongoing observations of availability of fresh foods and quality of produce available in local grocery stores, analysis of farmers market weekly Facebook market offerings posts, analysis of gardening/microgreen/community garden output data/photographs/evaluations.  Analysis and tallying of farmers market producer income from cash sales and alternative payments from the main weekly season May – October.  Tallying and analysis of farmers’ market customer counts.

Timeline:

Annually and April – December.

Long-term Outcome:

Increased expenditure of resident food budget, in the local food system.

Indicator:

Farmers Market producer daily self – repots of market sales day income, WICSRFMNP producer sales reports, SNAP sales reports, Farmers market customer counts.  Final redemption rates from KYDA for SRFMNP and State Coordinator for the WICFMNP programs.

Method:

Analysis and tallying of farmers market producer income from cash sales and alternative payments from the main weekly season May – October.  Tallying and analysis of farmers market customer counts.  Comparison of current year’s data with previous year’s numbers.

Timeline:

April – December (May – October for WIC and SRFMNP voucher data)

Long-term Outcome:

Increased expenditure of resident food budget, in the local food system.

Indicator:

Farmers Market cash, credit card and SNAP benefit annual sales totals, not including income from Farmers Market specific alternative payment benefits.  Producer weekly sales total self – reports.

Method:

Compare data from the current year’s income data with data from previous year’s.

Timeline:

January – December annually.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 

Community members, producers, TAG and other students, employees

Project or Activity:

Farmers Market Outreach

Content or Curriculum: 

Kentucky Proud Farmers Market Resource manual, WICSRFMNP annual producer/vendor training materials/manuals, SNAP training guide for retailers.  Related Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum/publications/HBM/HBMP certifications/recerts.  ANR soil/insect/plant disease testing service, GAP/pesticide applicator certification/recerts, NEP curriculum, 4 – H/YD related activities.

Inputs:

EDB support/property/infrastructure/services, Extension Agent/NEP/program/staff assistant supports, market manager/paid staff, MCFM volunteer board of directors supports, Extension office resources, CFA grant funds, WICSRFMNP/SNAP alternative payment program participation resources, Kentucky Department of Agriculture supports, community partners program supports, community buy-in/participation.

Date:

April – December annually, every Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., then January – March annually, indoor market every other Friday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Audience:

Community members, small farm and Farmers Market producers/vendors/board members/community partners/ customers.

Project or Activity:

Policy, Systems, and Environmental Approaches

Content or Curriculum:

Related UK curriculum/publication resources, Kentucky Proud Farmers Market Resource manual/KYDA, USDA,  Farmers Market Tool Kit.  Data resource outlets: Kentucky by numbers, UK Community assessments, Kentucky Farm to School Task Force, BRIGHT/other Health Coalition community assessment results/action plans, Bowling Community Park food pantry and food commodities program, community early childhood collaborative council, FRYSC, resources from related community partners.

Inputs:

EDB support/property/infrastructure/services, Extension Agent/NEP, market manager/paid staff, MCFM volunteer board of directors supports, Extension office resources, CFA grant funds, WICSRFMNP/SNAP alternative payment program participation resources, Kentucky Department of Agriculture supports, community partners program supports, community buy-in/participation.

Date:

May – October annually

Audience:

Community members, producers, Extension volunteer group members, TAG and other students, employees.

Project or Activity:

Nutrition education and Food Preparation for Better Health

Content or Curriculum:

Related UK FCS/NEP/ANR/4-HYD curriculum/publication/specialist resources, educational resources from the KYDA, USDA.  Wellness in Kentucky, Health Rocks, Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Cook Wild Ky, Food as Health Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials, Local Health Coalition program resources.  Other approved resources, such as those available from other State Cooperative Extension programs.

Inputs:
Extension Agents, program assistants, volunteers. Extension office resources, Extension District resources, programmatic materials, a broad array of community program partners including employers, adult day programs, public, private, and home schools.

Date:

Year-round, annually.

Audience:

Community members, producers, TAG and other students, employees

Project or Activity:

Food preservation

Content or Curriculum:

Related Extension Publications, UK Extension Food specialist support, USDA resources, Kentucky Proud Farmers Market manual, GAP training, Home-Based Micro-Processing Training, Home-based processor guidelines, champion food volunteers, master gardener volunteers, So Easy to Preserve, pressure canner gauge testing.

Inputs: FCS Extension Agent, UK Extension Food related specialists, volunteers. Extension office resources, Extension District resources, programmatic materials, community program partner resources.

Date: Annually/on request

Evaluation:

Initial Outcomes:

1. Increase awareness about relationships between food and nutrition practices and chronic disease
2. Facilitate connections between small farm owners and local markets, including urban markets, to help diversify sales channels and improve income stability.
3. Increase motivation to access and prepare healthier foods

Indicator:

Pre-post program evaluation results, participant hands/on activity during and post program observable data collection, teacher observation of student participation, NEP program pre and post curriculum evaluation. Number of small local farms participating in Metcalfe and surrounding Counties Farmers Markets from year to year.

Method:

Administer/tally/analyze Extension/NEP pre and post program participant intention and learning indicator evaluations.  Observe/record participant practices/skills demonstration during program hands-on activities.  Analyze data collection from teachers observing Extension staff – led programs, in school and other settings.  Analyze annual Farmers Market participation data and share among surrounding county markets.  WIC and Senior Farmers Market voucher acceptance by Metcalfe Co. Small farmers.

Timeline:

Pre, during, and post program/season activities.

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Increase intake of water, fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods
2. Employ healthful cooking methods, feeding practices, and food preservation techniques
3. Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects.

Indicator:

Results from 3 – 6-week post program participant evaluative outreach contacts, long-term group program offering end of program data collection results, results from NEP pre and post program evaluation and food recalls. Number of small farm whole farm plans developed.

Method:

Qualtrics survey link, E-mail, or phone 3 – 6-week post-program, NEP participant food recall collection, participant follow – ups, end of long-term program offerings group evaluation (dot chart evals, feedback from teacher observers, etc.), NEP program pre and post program evaluation, farmers market customer data collection/season impact evaluation.

Timeline:

3-6 weeks post program outreach, at the end of long – term program offerings/NEP curriculum graduation/end of school year, end of main Farmers Market season etc.

Long-term Outcome: 

Increased access to healthy food via local farmers markets, food retailers, and/or home gardens

Indicator:

Results from Agent/Assistant/volunteer observation of local grocery outlet produce/fresh foods department stock, Farmers Market Facebook page weekly offerings posts, results from local gardening/microgreen growing program, and community gardening participant produce reports/photos.  Farmers Market producer daily self – repots of market sales day income, WICSRFMNP producer sales reports, SNAP sales reports, Farmers market customer counts.

Method:

Agents/staff/volunteers ongoing observations of availability of fresh foods and quality of produce available in local grocery stores, analysis of farmers market weekly Facebook market offerings posts, analysis of gardening/microgreen/community garden output data/photographs/evaluations.  Analysis and tallying of farmers market producer income from cash sales and alternative payments from the main weekly season May – October.  Tallying and analysis of farmers’ market customer counts.

Timeline:

Annually and April – December.

Long-term Outcome:

Increased expenditure of resident food budget, in the local food system.

Indicator:

Farmers Market producer daily self – repots of market sales day income, WICSRFMNP producer sales reports, SNAP sales reports, Farmers market customer counts.  Final redemption rates from KYDA for SRFMNP and State Coordinator for the WICFMNP programs.

Method:

Analysis and tallying of farmers market producer income from cash sales and alternative payments from the main weekly season May – October.  Tallying and analysis of farmers market customer counts.  Comparison of current year’s data with previous year’s numbers.

Timeline:

April – December (May – October for WIC and SRFMNP voucher data)

Long-term Outcome:

Increased expenditure of resident food budget, in the local food system.

Indicator:

Farmers Market cash, credit card and SNAP benefit annual sales totals, not including income from Farmers Market specific alternative payment benefits.  Producer weekly sales total self – reports.

Method:

Compare data from the current year’s income data with data from previous year’s.

Timeline:

January – December annually.