Ohio County CES

County Emphasis:

Accessing Nutritious Foods for Wellbeing

Concentration 1:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 2:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 3:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Situation:

Access to nutritious foods is a foundational element of health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities. Yet, across Kentucky—including in rural and underserved areas—access remains uneven, contributing to increased rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other nutrition-related chronic conditions. The burden of navigating these challenges is often placed on individuals who must make difficult choices amid limited availability, affordability, and knowledge of healthy food options.

 

According to the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, “ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious foods” ranked as the fourth highest priority issue across the state, with “reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise” ranking eighth. These findings highlight the ongoing health disparities that persist due to gaps in food systems, nutrition literacy, and access to health-promoting resources and environments. Furthermore, external factors—such as lack of transportation, digital connectivity, and safe spaces for physical activity—continue to widen these gaps, especially for low-income families and vulnerable populations.

 

To address these disparities, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to advancing equitable access to nutritious foods through comprehensive education, community partnerships, and systems-level change. CES works statewide to improve not just food access, but also food skills—helping individuals learn how to select, store, prepare, preserve, and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Through collaboration with agencies such as the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, and KY Farm to School Network, CES builds sustainable local food systems that support both public health and economic development.

 

Adult and Family Impact

For adults, CES programs increase knowledge and skills related to healthy eating, meal preparation, food preservation, and budgeting. These efforts support health-promoting behaviors and reduce reliance on processed or convenience foods. Additionally, by promoting family mealtime and culinary skills, Extension programming fosters stronger family bonds and improved mental health outcomes. Combined with partnerships that promote policy, systems, and environmental changes, CES empowers individuals and communities to make informed choices that improve health and quality of life.

 

Youth Focus

Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged. Yet, 41% of Kentucky teens are overweight or obese, and many face related challenges such as low self-esteem, chronic absenteeism, and poor future outlooks. Kentucky 4-H plays a critical role in reversing these trends by offering educational experiences in nutrition, culinary arts, food safety, gardening, and financial literacy. According to evaluation data, 69% of 4-H youth report learning how to make healthier food choices, and many show increased confidence in the kitchen and stronger family connections through shared meal preparation.

 

Moreover, youth gain practical life skills and leadership experience that prepare them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. These experiences also prepare them for future careers in agriculture, food systems, public health, and entrepreneurship—further strengthening Kentucky’s workforce and food economy.

 

County Situation:

In Ohio County, many families face real challenges when it comes to accessing affordable, nutritious foods—challenges that directly affect their physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Like many rural areas in Kentucky, disparities in food access, health knowledge, and local infrastructure contribute to higher rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. These issues are often intensified by limited transportation, fewer grocery options, and reduced access to health services.

 

The 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment highlighted “access to affordable nutritious foods” as one of the top concerns for Kentuckians, and Ohio County is no exception. In addition, “reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise” remains a critical issue. Addressing these concerns requires more than individual action—it demands a community-based approach that includes education, access, and empowerment.

 

The Ohio County Cooperative Extension Service is dedicated to helping residents overcome these barriers by promoting health literacy and providing practical, research-based education around nutrition, food preparation, preservation, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Extension programming equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to select, store, prepare, and preserve fresh fruits and vegetables, even when resources are limited.

 

In collaboration with statewide partners like the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, and KY Farm to School Network, Ohio County Extension supports initiatives that build strong, sustainable local food systems and increase fresh food access through gardens, farmers markets, and community-based food projects. These efforts promote long-term health outcomes while supporting local economies and fostering food independence.

 

Youth Focus

Ohio County youth are also disproportionately affected by nutrition-related health concerns. With 41% of Kentucky teens classified as overweight or obese, youth in Ohio County face increased risks of both physical and emotional health challenges. Many experience negative self-image, chronic absenteeism, and limited access to wellness resources. The changing social and economic landscape underscores the urgent need to provide young people with the tools they need to thrive.

 

Ohio County 4-H plays a vital role in improving youth nutrition and well-being by offering programs that focus on healthy eating, food preparation, gardening, physical activity, and family engagement. Youth report increased confidence in the kitchen, more frequent family meals, and stronger awareness of how food choices impact their health. These programs not only support healthier habits but also promote leadership, critical thinking, and community involvement—skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

 

Access to nutritious food is a cornerstone of well-being—and in Ohio County, Cooperative Extension is working to ensure that every individual, regardless of income or background, has the knowledge and opportunity to lead a healthier life. By increasing food access, strengthening local food systems, and educating both youth and adults, Ohio County Extension is building a foundation for long-term health, resilience, and community vitality.

Long-Term Outcomes:

For Adults and Families:

• All individuals and families, regardless of income level, have reliable access to affordable, nutritious foods, including locally grown produce.
• More Kentuckians meet dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake, leading to a reduction in chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Family farms and the local food economy are thriving, supported by sustainable demand for fresh, local foods and strengthened community partnerships. 
• Community environments are more equitable, providing accessible health-promoting resources, including healthy food outlets, safe public spaces, and inclusive food systems.
• The burden of chronic disease is reduced, and more residents report improved quality of life through healthier diets, increased physical activity, and stronger community support networks.

For Youth:

• Youth experience reduced risk of obesity, malnutrition, and poor overall health, and demonstrate increased educational outcomes and kindergarten readiness.
• Through participation in 4-H and nutrition-focused programs, youth gain critical life skills in food preparation, decision-making, and personal wellness, preparing them for lifelong health and civic engagement.
• More youth pursue careers in the health, wellness, and agriculture sectors, contributing to Kentucky’s workforce and public health infrastructure.

• Youth contribute meaningfully to their communities by applying critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills learned through 4-H, fostering a generation of engaged, healthy citizens.

Intermediate Outcomes:

For Adults and Families:

• More adults engage in health-promoting behaviors that support individual, family, and community wellness, including improved dietary habits, increased physical activity, and safe food preparation at home.
• Dietary improvements include increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, a greater variety of proteins, and more meals prepared and shared at home.
• Community support for health and food access will grow, with expanded partnerships among Extension, local health departments, family resource centers, and agencies like the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), helping to address health disparities and strengthen food systems.
• Increased production and availability of Kentucky-grown foods will support both public health and the economic vitality of local farmers.
• More local food businesses and farmers markets will accept food benefit programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, SFMNP), improving access for limited-resource families and contributing to a more inclusive food system.

 

For Youth:

• 4-H youth will regularly practice healthy behaviors, including daily physical activity, nutritious eating, food safety, and cooking skills.
• Youth will demonstrate increased self-reflection and personal responsibility in making healthy food and wellness choices.
• More youth will access and consume a variety of nutritious foods, helping to prevent obesity and malnutrition while building lifelong habits.

• Through intergenerational activities and family meal preparation, youth will build strong relationships and positive connections with family members and mentors that support long-term health and resilience.

Initial Outcomes:

For Adults and Families:

• Increased awareness and utilization of Extension food access programs such as Value Chain Coordination, The Food Connection Learning Kitchen, Cultivate Kentucky, and local initiatives that connect residents to fresh, nutritious foods.
• Improved skills in safe food preparation, preservation, and storage, including increased participation in Homebased Microprocessing and nutrition-focused workshops. 
• Greater awareness of community resources and services that support food security, healthy eating, stress management, and nurturing family behaviors across the lifespan.
• Increased knowledge of health-promoting behaviors, including meal planning, food safety, physical activity, and self-care practices that support individual and family wellness.
• Enhanced confidence in making healthy decisions related to food choices, caregiving, and daily wellness habits.
• Growth in community partnerships and coalition involvement focused on strengthening local food systems and promoting active, healthy living across Ohio County.

 

For Youth:

• Increased knowledge and skills in nutrition, food safety, and food preparation, empowering youth to access and enjoy a variety of healthy foods daily.
• Improved attitudes toward healthy behaviors, including choosing nutritious foods, staying active, and practicing self-care.
• Greater awareness of positive mental health practices and general wellness routines, promoting confidence and resilience in personal decision-making.

• Enhanced family engagement, with more youth participating in meal preparation and sharing quality time that supports healthy habits and stronger intergenerational relationships.

Evaluation:

Evaluation

 

Outcome	Short Term – 4-H School Clubs, 4-H Camp Classes, 4-H Chef Club
Indicator	Number of youths who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks.  Number of youths who reported that they learned about safe food handling/preparation. And kitchen safety.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At completion of programs.

 

Outcome	Medium-Term – 4-H Chef Club
Indicator	Number of youths who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.     Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At conclusion of program year.

 

Outcome	Medium Term – WIC & SFMNP participation
Indicator	Increase in redemption of WIC & SFMNP vouchers
Method	Number of vouchers redeemed thru Farmers Market
Timeline	End of season

 

Outcome	Long Term – Food Preservation and Home Based Micro processing
Indicator	Utilizing of skills after class
Method	Survey Pre, Post, and Following
Timeline	6 months after class

 

Outcome	Medium Term – Ohio County Adults
Indicator	Number of adults who reported they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy and safe foods for self or family.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At conclusion of program.

 

Outcome	Senior Adults
Indicator	Number of adults who report improvement in skills educational brain health.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Pre and Post program

Learning Opportunities:

Learning Opportunities

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Nutrition and Food Preparation (4-H School Clubs, 4-H Chef Club, 4-H Camp)
Content or Curriculum	4-H Cooking:  101, 201, 301, 401
Inputs	4-H Family Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.     Cooperative Extension Educational facilities, Engagement of youth and adult volunteers in program delivery.
Date(s)	Throughout 4-H Program Year

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	4-H International Culture Day
Content or Curriculum	International Foods
Inputs	4-H Family Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.     Cooperative Extension Educational facilities, Engagement of youth and adult volunteers in program delivery.
Date(s)	November 2025

 

Audience	Youth – 7th Grade OCMS
Project or Activity	4-H Body Walk
Content or Curriculum	Exploring My Plate
Inputs	4-H Family Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.     Cooperative Extension Educational facilities, Engagement of HOSA youth and 4-H adult volunteers in program delivery.
Date(s)	March-April 2026

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Physical Activity
Content or Curriculum	4-H Camp classes, Jump Into Food and Fitness
Inputs	4-H Family Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.     Cooperative Extension Educational facilities, 4-H adult and teen volunteers in program delivery.
Date(s)	Throughout Program Year

 

Audience	Low Income Individuals, Families w/children
Project or Activity	Beaver Dam Community Farmers Market (WIC &SFMNP), Children’s Day @ Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum	SNAP, WIC, Food Preservation Programs
Inputs	Extension Staff, Local Producers, Health Care Providers, KDA
Date(s)	Summer 2025

 

Audience	Home Gardeners
Project or Activity	Growing Your Own Vegetables
Content or Curriculum	U.K. pubs, Victory Garden curriculum
Inputs	Agents, Specialist
Date(s)	Winter/Spring 2026

 

Audience	Senior Citizens
Project or Activity	Raised garden beds program
Content or Curriculum	U.K. pubs
Inputs	Agents
Date(s)	Summer 2025

 

 

Audience	Ohio Co. & Fordsville Food Bank
Project or Activity	Garden packet program
Content or Curriculum	SNAP, U.K./KSU gardening resources
Inputs	Agents
Date(s)	Spring 2026

 

 

Audience	Youth – Preschool, K, 1st Grade
Project or Activity	Literacy, Eating and Activity for Preschool/ Primary (LEAP)
Content or Curriculum	KYNEP LEAP Curriculum
Inputs	FCS Agent, Program Assistant, Volunteers
Date(s)	School Year 2025-2026

 

Audience	First Time Parents
Project or Activity	Celebrate the Baby
Content or Curriculum	Community Baby Shower
Inputs	Adult Ed., Manage Care Providers, Hope for Life, Child Care Award, Homemakers, FCS Agent, Owensboro Health, Ohio County Hospital, American Red Cross, River Valley, Migrant Ed., GRDHD, State Police
Date(s)	October 2025

 

Audience	Seniors
Project or Activity	WITS Workout
Content or Curriculum	Wits workout is an engaging, interactive, and educational brain health program
Inputs	Senior Adult Education, focus on brain health, aging and nutrition, Senior Centers, FCS Agent
Date(s)	Year Round

 

Audience	Ohio County Adults
Project or Activity	Family and Consumer Sciences lessons on cooking healthy
Content or Curriculum	Cooking with the NEP Calendar
Inputs	Adult Education, Family Resource coordinators and schools, Library
Date(s)	Year Round

 

Audience	Low-Income Individuals/ Families, Families with Children
Project or Activity	Farmer’s Market (WIC), Children’s Farmer’s Market
Content or Curriculum	Plate-It-Up, SNAP, Food Preservation Programs, Homebased Micro-processing training
Inputs	Extension Staff, Local Producers, County Homemakers, Local Media (Radio, Newspaper, Facebook), Health Care Providers, KDA, KY Proud Produce Availability Sheets
Date(s)	Year Round

Evaluation:

Evaluation

 

Outcome	Short Term – 4-H School Clubs, 4-H Camp Classes, 4-H Chef Club
Indicator	Number of youths who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks.  Number of youths who reported that they learned about safe food handling/preparation. And kitchen safety.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At completion of programs.

 

Outcome	Medium-Term – 4-H Chef Club
Indicator	Number of youths who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.     Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At conclusion of program year.

 

Outcome	Medium Term – WIC & SFMNP participation
Indicator	Increase in redemption of WIC & SFMNP vouchers
Method	Number of vouchers redeemed thru Farmers Market
Timeline	End of season

 

Outcome	Long Term – Food Preservation and Home Based Micro processing
Indicator	Utilizing of skills after class
Method	Survey Pre, Post, and Following
Timeline	6 months after class

 

Outcome	Medium Term – Ohio County Adults
Indicator	Number of adults who reported they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy and safe foods for self or family.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At conclusion of program.

 

Outcome	Senior Adults
Indicator	Number of adults who report improvement in skills educational brain health.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Pre and Post program