Warren County CES

County Emphasis:

Fostering Positive Health and Wellness

Concentration 1:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 2:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Concentration 3:

Health and Wellbeing

Situation:

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 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. 

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 a healthy, productive, and engaged young people to contribute to a prepared workforce and 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 wellbeing 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 report an increase in preparing meals together as a family, 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. 

                         Substance Use Prevention and Recovery 

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

                          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 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 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.  

County Situation:

  With the increased trend of chronic disease and obesity in Kentucky, individuals, families, and communities need tools and environments that support healthy and active lifestyle choices. CES agents are encouraged to reach diverse audiences to help combat chronic disease and obesity in Kentucky communities. Focusing on a foundation of overall direct health education to increase health literacy and ability to make healthy lifestyle choices. Including, creating spaces or opportunities for active living and health behaviors. 

As youth transitions from elementary to middle school, they are facing new and challenging social and academic situations. It may also be during this time that they are more frequently exposed to drugs, especially alcohol and cigarettes. Helping them develop the know-how and skills to resist these substances can protect them from engaging int eh use of these substances. Youth are good by nature and need strong support to develop healthy lives.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.  

• Youth increase educational outcomes. 
• Youth decrease poor overall health. 
• Kentucky 4-H members report decreased obesity.  
• Increased number of 4-Hers who pursue employment in the health and wellbeing field. 
• Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in the 4-H Health and Well-Being Core Content Area. 
• Improved social and emotional competency  
• Reduced youth substance use  
• Reduced youth substance use disorder · 
• Reduced youth overdose fatalities  
• Reduced stigma related to youth substance use  
• Improved quality of life 
• Family farms become economically viable. 
• Kentucky’s local food and agriculture industry are thriving. 

 

 

 

Intermediate Outcomes:

•  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. 
• 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. 
• 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. 
• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs  
• Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention 
• Increase and/or strengthen statewide and regional partnership 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. 
• Increased number of entrepreneurial food businesses. 

 

Initial Outcomes:

• 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. 
• 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 
• Increased knowledge about substance abuse and its effects 
• Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery  
• Increased confidence 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.). 
• Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access. 
• Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Short Term  

Indicator:  

• · Number of youth who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks.  
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about kitchen safety.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in Family Consumer Sciences. 
• Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of egg and/or poultry food safety practices.  
• Number of youth who demonstrated/reported improved egg and/or poultry cooking skills. 

 Method:  Evaluation Provided by Animal Food Sciences Department  

Timeline:  Immediate Post Program 

Intermediate Outcome:  Medium Term 

Indicator:  \

• Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family. 
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project. 
• Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family. 
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project. 

Method:  Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey  

Timeline:  End of the program year  

Long-term 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  

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

Indicator:  

• 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  

Initial 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  

Intermediate 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 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  

Long-term 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  

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

Indicator:  

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

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Kindergarten-12th grade 

Project or Activity:  Nutrition Education & Physical Activity 

Content or Curriculum:  Professor Popcorn, Teen Cruise, LEAP, Recipes for Life  

Inputs:  Classrooms, Afterschool Programs, Demonstration Supplies, Super Star Chef Camp  

Date: July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026  

Audience: 4th-9th Grade Students   

Project or Activity:  Health Rocks  

Content or Curriculum:  Health Rocks  

Inputs:  Drug Prevention Supplies, Classrooms, Evaluation, Grant  

Date: September 1, 2025-May 30, 2026  

Audience:  5-18 Years Old  

Project or Activity:  4-H Clubs  

Content or Curriculum:  Project Books  

Inputs:  County and State Fair, Volunteer Club leaders, Demonstration Supplies,   

Date:  July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026  

Audience:  5-18 year old and Adult Volunteers  

Project or Activity:  4-H Camp and Cloverbud Camp  

Content or Curriculum:  Camp Counselor Training Modules  

Inputs:  Volunteers, Campers, Scholarships, Transportation  

Date:  Summer, 2026  

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:  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:  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:  Ongoing  

Audience:  Consumers  

Project or Activity:  Local Food Awareness & Promotion 

Content or Curriculum:   My Proud, Farm and Home, Ag Connections, Farmers, Get the Scoop  

Inputs:  Websites, newsletter, tv, radio 

Date:  Ongoing 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Short Term  

Indicator:  

• · Number of youth who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks.  
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about kitchen safety.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in Family Consumer Sciences. 
• Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of egg and/or poultry food safety practices.  
• Number of youth who demonstrated/reported improved egg and/or poultry cooking skills. 

 Method:  Evaluation Provided by Animal Food Sciences Department  

Timeline:  Immediate Post Program 

Intermediate Outcome:  Medium Term 

Indicator:  \

• Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family. 
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project. 
• Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family. 
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project. 

Method:  Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey  

Timeline:  End of the program year  

Long-term 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  

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

Indicator:  

• 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  

Initial 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  

Intermediate 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 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  

Long-term 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  

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

Indicator:  

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