Improving the Health and Economy of our CommunityPlan of Work
Trigg County CES
County Emphasis:
Improving the Health and Economy of our Community
Concentration 1:
Food Safety, Quality, and Access
Concentration 2:
Family and Youth Development
Concentration 3:
Health and Wellbeing
Concentration 4:
Building Leadership Capacity
Situation:
It is proven that people who have access to and consume their daily dietary requirements of fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes 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 access.
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 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.
Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). According to 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 issues related to health and wellbeing as need for improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources, reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise, 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.
Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.
4-H opportunities profoundly impact individuals and communities in Kentucky by equipping youth with essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, fostering personal leadership, and community engagement. Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability are key to future employment (World Economic Forum, 2023). 77% of employers say that there should be less focus on traditional school subjects and more focus on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). In the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment youth life skill training opportunities (such as leadership and communication skill opportunities), strengthening youth workforce readiness, and strengthening youth-adult or mentorship relationships were top priorities across Kentucky. According to the National 4-H Annual Index Survey (2024), 95% of youth identified their strengths through 4-H, 80% explored career options, and 50% received guidance for college decisions. Additionally, 75% enjoyed helping their community, and 93% felt inspired by 4-H, with 42% being inspired “a lot” to volunteer. These experiences build leadership capacity, promote civic engagement, and create connected, resilient communities by encouraging critical thinking and empathy. Furthermore, 4-H offers life skill training, strengthens youth workforce readiness, fosters mentorship, maximizes youth voice in important issues, and enhances peer-peer relationships.
County Situation:
Trigg County, Kentucky, faces significant challenges impacting its youth and families, particularly in the areas of economic stability and overall health. Approximately 13.6% of Trigg County residents live in poverty, with a median household income of $54,630. The county's economic landscape is characterized by limited employment opportunities. Trigg County's health indicators reflect concerning trends. The county reports high rates of obesity (39%), smoking (24%), and physical inactivity (33%). Mental health issues are also a concern, with a shortage of mental health providers. Some of the main areas of concern for Trigg County are:
Limited access to healthcare providers, including shortages of primary care, mental health, and dental services. Many residents must travel significant distances for specialized care.
High prevalence of chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, often exacerbated by limited health education and preventive care.
Substance abuse and mental health issues, particularly opioid and alcohol-related disorders, remain persistent concerns with limited local treatment options.
Food insecurity and poor nutrition, especially in low-income households, due to limited access to healthy food retailers and high reliance on convenience foods.
Transportation barriers prevent many residents—especially the elderly and low-income individuals—from accessing medical services and health-supporting resources.
High unemployment and underemployment rates compared to state and national averages.
Limited access to job training and workforce development programs, particularly in high-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
Low median household income and a high poverty rate, especially among children and seniors.
Insufficient broadband internet access, which limits opportunities for remote work, online education, and e-commerce.
Youth outmigration, where younger residents leave the county for better opportunities elsewhere, weakening the local workforce and economic base.
To improve the quality of life for Trigg County residents, coordinated efforts are needed to enhance job creation, expand access to health care, improve health education, and invest in the infrastructure necessary to support a more resilient economy and a healthier population.
Long-Term Outcomes:
- Individuals and families of all incomes levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods
- Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.
- Increased caregiver preparation
- Improved quality of family life
- Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
- Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community
- Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.
- Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future.
Intermediate Outcomes:
- Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.
- 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.
- Enhanced community partnership that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)
- 4-H members will increase physical activity.
- Leaders address community issues and needs
- Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects
Initial Outcomes:
- Increased awareness of community resources to support healthy families.
- Increased confidence making decisions related to parenting and caregiving.
- Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.
- Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.
- Increased awareness of community resources to support health-promoting behaviors.
- Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.
- Youth realize how their actions impact others
- Improved leadership skills
- Enhanced knowledge of concepts and practices
- Knowledge gained through training programs
- Taking on leadership roles for the first time
Evaluation:
Outcome: Short Term
Indicator:
- Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community.
- Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.
- Number of youth who reported that they learned ways to be physically active
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.
- Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: Immediately after program/event
Outcome: Medium Term
Indicator:
- Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.
- Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.
- Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests.
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: End of Club/Program Year
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: 1 or more years
Learning Opportunities:
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Teen Conference
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.
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.
Dates: Summer
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H State Teen Council, Leadership Boards and Task Forces
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.
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.
Dates: Throughout the Program year
Audience: Communities
Project or Activity: School, Community or Recovery Gardens
Content or Curriculum: NEP “Grow your own” publications, Hort. Dept. publications, youth gardening curriculum, Recovery Garden Toolkit
Inputs: Gardening materials, paid staff, community partners, 4-H, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, schools, recovery centers, Nutrition Education Program
Dates: Ongoing
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation
Content or Curriculum: 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
Dates: 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: September 1 – August 30
Audience: Families & Individuals
Project or Activity: Physical Activity
Content or Curriculum: Publications, Faithful Families, Story Walks, Health and wellness Ambassadors, Shared Space Agreements, Health Coalitions, WIN, Health Partners, Bingocize, Walk Your Way, Families on the Move, County Walking Challenges, Mindfulness Trails, Fit Tips, Hiking for Health
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, health coalitions, healthcare providers, health department, non-profits, schools, company health & wellness, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing/seasonal
Evaluation:
Outcome: Short Term
Indicator:
- Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community.
- Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.
- Number of youth who reported that they learned ways to be physically active
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.
- Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: Immediately after program/event
Outcome: Medium Term
Indicator:
- Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.
- Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.
- Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests.
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: End of Club/Program Year
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: 1 or more years
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment