Boyd County CES

County Emphasis:

Community Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 1:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Concentration 2:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 3:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 4:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Situation:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Though substance use and substance use disorder have been pressing social problems for decades, the public health burden and consequences associated with substance use have rapidly worsened in recent years. Drug overdoses have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of accidental death,h 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.

Mental Health and Well-Being

More than ever before, people are feeling the burden of stress on their well-being. 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 well-being. 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 well-being 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 improving 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 well-being. By emphasizing mental health and offering targeted educational initiatives, we can create a brighter future for Kentucky’s youth.

Health and Wellbeing

The opportunities and resources available to support the health and well-being of adults and families in Kentucky vary widely. Disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure contribute to higher rates of chronic health conditions and lower quality of life. Prevention, early detection, and care are essential to maintain and/or improve the quality of life. Yet, this burden is often placed on individuals to navigate the

healthcare system and traditional public health entities. Additionally, for decades, little attention has been given to the external factors that undoubtedly affect health, such as access to care, education, nutritious foods, and safe physical spaces. These same issues and concerns were echoed throughout the 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Assessment. Within the top 15 priority issues identified by Kentuckians, “ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable, nutritious foods” was #4, and “reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise” was #8. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, UK Extension aims to become a critical public health partner for addressing disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure through comprehensive health, nutrition, and wellness programming that supports adult physical health and well-being.

Youth Focus

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

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.

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 the 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 healthy, productive, and engaged young people to contribute to a prepared workforce and an 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 well-being 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 reported an increase in preparing meals together as a family, an 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.

County Situation:

Healthy living is one of the 4-H mission mandates and encompasses: physical activity, personal safety, mental health, addiction prevention, and diversity and inclusion.   In Kentucky, 37% of youth 10-17 are overweight or obese, and 51% report not exercising regularly. 25% of youth report some form of emotional or behavioral condition, and suicide rates are at a record high (KY suicides per 100,000 people: 15.3, 10th highest in the nation). Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health disease can affect anyone, with 1,160 reported opioid-involved deaths (a rate of 27.9 deaths per 100,000 persons) in Kentucky, and vaping nearly doubled among middle and high school students, with 27% of high school seniors reporting they had tried the product in 2018.

The health and wealth of Boyd County lie within the choices families make daily. People are living longer. Kentucky’s current population of seniors (65+) is 13.3%, a number that is expected to double in the next 40 years due to the aging Baby Boomers (post WWII babies born between 1946-1964). Approximately 25% of Kentucky’s population includes Boomers, who, in 2011, started turning 65. KentuckyHealthFacts.org reports that in Boyd County, 48,832 residents, 39% of adults are obese, 74% of adults are overweight, and that only 9% of the population reports fruit and vegetable consumption. County health and Community productivity rely on the overall health of families and individuals. Meanwhile, babies born in Kentucky in 2011 are projected to live to be 75 years old (3 years younger than the national average). Whether it is the graying of America or extended life expectancies, aging is a lifespan process. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the changes that accompany aging, in regard to health, independence, and life quality throughout all stages of life. Managing finances plays an integral part in being able to live and manage health in all stages of life. The goal is to develop programs that help individuals, families, and communities manage the challenges and discover the positive aspects of life transitions while growing older and acquiring or maintaining physical health. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

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 competencies

Reduced youth substance use

Reduced youth substance use disorder

Reduced youth overdose fatalities

Reduced stigma related to youth substance use

Improved quality of life

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 who 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.

Health and Wellbeing

Adult

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

Increased availability and accessibility to community-based health resources

Reduced rate and burden of non-communicable chronic diseases and injury

Decreased health disparity prevalence in Kentucky counties

Improved quality of life

Youth

Kentucky 4-H members report decreased obesity.    

Increased number of 4-Hers who pursue employment in the health and well-being 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.

Food, Safety, Quality, and Access

Adult

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

Family farms become economically viable.

Kentucky’s local food and agriculture industry is 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. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

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

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.

Health and Wellbeing

Adult

Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety

Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health or safety issues

Increased organizational/site/community support for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health or safety issues

Youth 

4-H members will practice general wellness habits.   

Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to health and well-being among 4-Hers.  

4-H members will increase physical activity. 

Food, Safety, Quality, and Access

Adult

Increase and/or strengthen statewide and regional partnerships 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. 

Initial Outcomes:

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 in 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.). 

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 in 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.).

Mental Health and Well-Being 

Adult

Increased ability to recognize and respond to mental health concerns

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

Health and Wellbeing

Adult

Health promoting behaviors include but are not to, regular physical activity, safe preparation and consumption of nutritious foods, vaccinations, moderate or no consumption of alcohol, avoiding/reducing/eliminating tobacco use, health screenings, sleep, stress management, health literacy, pest prevention/reduction/management, and occupational safety.

Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors.

Increased awareness of community resources to support health-promoting behaviors.

Increased confidence in making decisions related to health-promoting behaviors.

Improved skills related to health-promoting behaviors

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.

Food, Safety, Quality, and Access

Adult

Increased awareness of and use of Food Connection Programs: Value Chain Coordinators, TFC Learning Kitchen, and Cultivate KY resources.

Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.

Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.

Increased participation in home-based micro-processing 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.

Evaluation:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Outcome: Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter)

Method: 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).

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

Indicators:   

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

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 intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).

Indicators:

Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills (ST)

Number of participants who used self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC)

Outcome: Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter)

Method: 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

Mental Health and Well-Being 

Outcome: Increased partnerships (number or strength) to address mental health and well-being issues within the community

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address mental health and well-being in the community.

Method: Agent record of community partnerships utilized in programming

Timeline: Ongoing; Each partnership should be reported once per reporting interval

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: Ongoing; 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: Ongoing; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

Outcome: Increased knowledge of mental health and well-being resources (interpersonal and community-based)

Indicator: Number of participants who intend to adopt strategies to support or promote mental health and well-being in their community

Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results

Timeline: Ongoing; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

Outcome: Increased use 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: Ongoing; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program

Outcome: Increased advocacy for mental health and wellbeing resources

Indicator: Number of participants who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and well-being in their community.

Method: Follow-up survey/evaluation results

Timeline: Ongoing; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program

Outcome: Short Term

Indicators:

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 mental health and well-being.

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

Indicators:

Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their mental health and well-being.

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

Health and Wellbeing

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/demonstrated improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

Outcome:  Increased confidence and motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g., add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods, receive vaccination or screen) (initial)

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

Method: Self-reported surveys

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

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

Indicators:

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

Outcome:  Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health issues (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of community partners (community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals) worked with to offer health and well-being programming in the community

Method: Agent record of community partnerships utilized in programming

Timeline: Ongoing; Each partnership should be reported once per reporting period

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of volunteers who supported health and well-being programming in the community

Method: Agent record of volunteers utilized in programming

Timeline: Ongoing: Each volunteer should be reported once per reporting period

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health and safety issues (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of projects or initiatives working to improve community health or safety issues

Method: Documentation (direct observation, photo, repeated survey) or interviews

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress

Outcome: Short Term

Indicators:

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 well-being.  

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 the program/event 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicators:

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

Food, Safety, Quality, and Access

Outcome: Increased awareness of and use of Food Connection Programs: Value Chain Coordinators, TFC Learning Kitchen, and Cultivate KY resources. (initial)

Indicators:

Number of farms or food businesses that 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…). 

Number of people who used Extension and/or Food Connection resources and/or services for pricing and/or marketing local foods (examples of services include: Kentucky Nutrition Education Program/KYNEP, PlateEatMove.com, Plate It Up Kentucky Proud!, Cook Wild Kentucky, Kentucky Value Chain Coordinators, Cultivate Kentucky Partnership, etc.). 

Number of individuals reporting an increased awareness of how to find and prepare local food, including responsible hunting/fishing/foraging. 

Method: Agent Tool level from The Food Connection (being developed); 

Timeline: Annual: Food System Impact Survey (federal fiscal year); The Food Connection (calendar year); HBMP (annual calendar year)

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

Indicators:

Number of individuals report an increased awareness of how to find and prepare local food, including responsible hunting/fishing/foraging. 

Number of policies, 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 Volunteer 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: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. (initial)

Indicators:

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, and Food Preservation.

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

Outcome: Increased participation in Home-based Microprocessing workshops. (initial)

Indicators:

Number of farms or food businesses that 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: 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.). (initial)

Indicators:

Number of policies, 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 were introduced to health food access points (e.g., farmers’ markets, CSAs, WIC, food pantries) through Extension programs or resources.

Method: Food Systems Impact Survey, planeatmove.com website data, NEP resources distributed.

Timeline: Annual, fiscal year (Food Systems Impact Survey);

Outcome: Short Term

Indicators:

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

Indicators:

Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or their 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:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Recovery Capital Building

Content or Curriculum: Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body (HCYRB), Recovering Your Finances (RYF), Recovery Gardens, Positive Employability, Question. Persuade. Refer (QPR), 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(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Communities

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

Content or Curriculum: Addiction 101, Recovering Your Finances (RYF), PROFIT, Building Recovery Ready Communities (e.g., presenting to coalitions), Resources for Family Members and Concerned Others, Parenting in Recovery

Inputs: Programmatic materials, community partners, grant funding, elected officials, health coalitions, and other key stakeholders

Date(s): Ongoing

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(s): Ongoing

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(s): Ongoing

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Substance Use Prevention Programming

Content or Curriculum: Botvin Life Skills, 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(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Positive Youth Development

Content or Curriculum: Health Rocks, Positive Employability, Mindful Mechanics, Get Experience in Mindfulness (GEM), Social/Emotional Health-Focused Programming

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, schools, and school staff

Date(s): Ongoing

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Community-Based Substance Use Prevention

Content or Curriculum: Substance Use Prevention Education (i.e., Addiction 101, Ad Hoc Webinars, etc.), Engaging People with Lived Experience (testimonies), Strengthening Families

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, elected officials, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, and faith-based organizations

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours

Content or Curriculum: Truth and Consequences

Inputs: Programmatic materials, Agents, schools, community organizations, and community partners

Date(s): Annually 

Mental Health and Well-Being 

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(s): Ongoing; 2025-2029

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Promoting Well-being

Content or Curriculum: MARK (Mind, Art, Recovery, Kentucky), Take a Beat: Healing Hearts and Minds, Handling Farm Stress: A Workshop for New and Beginning Farmers, Mindfulness Trails, Yoga-ta Try This (KEHA lesson), Self-care programming, Mindfulness programming, Recovery Gardens, Mental Health and Wellbeing Series, The Mind-Body Connection

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(s): Ongoing; 2025-2029

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(s): Ongoing; 2025-2029

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, focusing on health and well-being. 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(s): 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 the 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. The focus is on Youth who have experienced traumatic experiences or disasters.

Date(s): Program Year

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele

Project or Activity: Your Feelings Matter (Club/Group/Individual)

Content or Curriculum: Your Feelings Matter Curriculum. Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know, Mental Health First Aid, and the 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 Grades 4-8.

Date(s): Program Year 

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele

Project or Activity: Your Thoughts Matter (Club/Group/Individual)

Content or Curriculum: Your Thoughts Matter Curriculum. 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 Grades 7-12.

Date(s): Program Year

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele

Project or Activity: Mental Health First Aid

Content or Curriculum: Mental Health First Aid (Youth). Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know, and the 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. The focus is on Adults working with youth.

Date(s): Program Year

Health and Wellbeing

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(s): 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(s): 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 organizations, 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(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Families & Individuals

Project or Activity: Physical, Environmental, and Occupational Safety

Content or Curriculum: Publications, presentations, trainings, demonstrations, In the Face of Disaster, Pest Control Short Course, Stop the Bleed, …

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, businesses, creative entrepreneurs, local farms/growers/producers, commodity groups, housing authorities

Date(s): Ongoing/seasonal

Audience: Communities

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

Content or Curriculum: Pathways to Wellness, Faithful Families, Story Walks, Shared Space Agreements, parks and trail development, Active Community Toolkit, resources for early case and education settings, food system work (e.g. farmers’ markets, backpack programs, community gardens), SNAP-Ed toolkit, creating and Maintaining Health Coalitions, Arts in Health publications, CEDIK Healthy Communities toolkit

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

Date(s): Ongoing

Youth

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(s): September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Health Rocks

Content or Curriculum: 

4-H Health Rocks! Curriculum.  

Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know  

Substance Abuse  

Mental Health Services Administration. 

Inputs:   

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational Facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs

Date(s): 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(s): September 1 – August 30

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. 

Date(s): 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. 

Date(s): 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.

Date(s): 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

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Farmers’ Market Toolkit

Content or Curriculum: Farmers’ Market Toolkit

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, health department, non-profits, schools, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, farmers, farmers’ markets, etc.

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Farmers Market Vendors

Project or Activity: PBPT Training

Content or Curriculum: PBPT training materials, state farmers market training

Inputs: County Extension Agents, KDA, New Crop Opportunities, Extension Specialist, Local Producers, USDA

Date(s): Annually

Audience: Farmers Market Vendors

Project or Activity: Senior and WIC Voucher Training

Content or Curriculum: KDA Voucher training PowerPoint, Farmers Market rules and regulations, State Health Dept information

Inputs: County Extension Agents, KDA, State Health Dept, New Crop Opportunities, Extension Specialist, USDA, Local Producers

Date(s): Annually 

Audience: Farmers Market Vendors

Project or Activity: Farmers Market Meeting

Content or Curriculum: Market Contract of Rules and Regulations, Ky Proud Information

Inputs: County Extension Agents, KDA, New Crop Opportunities, Local Producers, Extension Specialists, USDA

Date(s): 2 annual Spring meetings and 1 annual Fall meeting

Audience: Farmers Market Producers, Home producers

Project or Activity: Vegetable Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Best Management Practices, Production Methods, Marketing Strategies, Food Preservation, Food Safety, Cultivar and Variety Selection

Inputs: County Extension Agents, KDA, New Crop Opportunities, Local Producers, Extension Specialists, USDA

Date(s): Bi-Annually (Summer)

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: School gardens

Content or Curriculum:  Jr Master Gardener curriculum as a reference

Inputs: County Agents, extension volunteers, 4-H staff, school staff, and faculty

Date(s): Spring/Fall

Audience: Community volunteers, local businesses, local citizens,

Project or Activity: Work with River Cities Harvest, a local organization that collects excess food for distribution to pantries, shelters, kitchens, etc., that then give it out or prepare and serve it to the hungry in the community.

Content or Curriculum: Organization-specific 

Inputs: Extension agent, some facilities, volunteers, River Cities Harvest Board of Directors 

Date(s): Year round

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.

Date(s): 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 

Date(s): 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 

Date(s): 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 

Date(s): September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation

Content or Curriculum: Exploring My Plate  

Inputs:

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

 Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  

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(s): September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation

Content or Curriculum: Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary Youth ( LEAP)

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(s): September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation 

Content or Curriculum: Poultry Barbecue Camps, Chicken and Turkey Barbecue Contests, Egg Cooking Workshops, State 4-H Egg Chef Challenge 

Inputs:

4-H Poultry programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Animal Food Sciences Department 

Accredited and certified volunteers. 

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(s): September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation

Content or Curriculum: What’s On Your Plate 

Inputs:

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  

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(s): September 1 – August 30 

Evaluation:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Outcome: Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter)

Method: 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).

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

Indicators:   

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

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 intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).

Indicators:

Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills (ST)

Number of participants who used self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC)

Outcome: Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter)

Method: 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

Mental Health and Well-Being 

Outcome: Increased partnerships (number or strength) to address mental health and well-being issues within the community

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address mental health and well-being in the community.

Method: Agent record of community partnerships utilized in programming

Timeline: Ongoing; Each partnership should be reported once per reporting interval

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: Ongoing; 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: Ongoing; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

Outcome: Increased knowledge of mental health and well-being resources (interpersonal and community-based)

Indicator: Number of participants who intend to adopt strategies to support or promote mental health and well-being in their community

Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results

Timeline: Ongoing; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

Outcome: Increased use 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: Ongoing; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program

Outcome: Increased advocacy for mental health and wellbeing resources

Indicator: Number of participants who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and well-being in their community.

Method: Follow-up survey/evaluation results

Timeline: Ongoing; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program

Outcome: Short Term

Indicators:

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 mental health and well-being.

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

Indicators:

Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their mental health and well-being.

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

Health and Wellbeing

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/demonstrated improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

Outcome:  Increased confidence and motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g., add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods, receive vaccination or screen) (initial)

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

Method: Self-reported surveys

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

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

Indicators:

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

Outcome:  Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health issues (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of community partners (community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals) worked with to offer health and well-being programming in the community

Method: Agent record of community partnerships utilized in programming

Timeline: Ongoing; Each partnership should be reported once per reporting period

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of volunteers who supported health and well-being programming in the community

Method: Agent record of volunteers utilized in programming

Timeline: Ongoing: Each volunteer should be reported once per reporting period

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health and safety issues (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of projects or initiatives working to improve community health or safety issues

Method: Documentation (direct observation, photo, repeated survey) or interviews

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress

Outcome: Short Term

Indicators:

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 well-being.  

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 the program/event 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicators:

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

Food, Safety, Quality, and Access

Outcome: Increased awareness of and use of Food Connection Programs: Value Chain Coordinators, TFC Learning Kitchen, and Cultivate KY resources. (initial)

Indicators:

Number of farms or food businesses that 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…). 

Number of people who used Extension and/or Food Connection resources and/or services for pricing and/or marketing local foods (examples of services include: Kentucky Nutrition Education Program/KYNEP, PlateEatMove.com, Plate It Up Kentucky Proud!, Cook Wild Kentucky, Kentucky Value Chain Coordinators, Cultivate Kentucky Partnership, etc.). 

Number of individuals reporting an increased awareness of how to find and prepare local food, including responsible hunting/fishing/foraging. 

Method: Agent Tool level from The Food Connection (being developed); 

Timeline: Annual: Food System Impact Survey (federal fiscal year); The Food Connection (calendar year); HBMP (annual calendar year)

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

Indicators:

Number of individuals report an increased awareness of how to find and prepare local food, including responsible hunting/fishing/foraging. 

Number of policies, 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 Volunteer 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: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. (initial)

Indicators:

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, and Food Preservation.

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

Outcome: Increased participation in Home-based Microprocessing workshops. (initial)

Indicators:

Number of farms or food businesses that 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: 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.). (initial)

Indicators:

Number of policies, 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 were introduced to health food access points (e.g., farmers’ markets, CSAs, WIC, food pantries) through Extension programs or resources.

Method: Food Systems Impact Survey, planeatmove.com website data, NEP resources distributed.

Timeline: Annual, fiscal year (Food Systems Impact Survey);

Outcome: Short Term

Indicators:

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

Indicators:

Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or their 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