Magoffin County CES

County Emphasis:

Food Security

Concentration 1:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 2:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 3:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 4:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

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.

In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills was among the top 10 state-identified priority issues reported by Kentuckians, and Efforts that Support Local & Small businesses was among the top 10 Community & Economic Development needs in the state.

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.

Small farm development is a crucial aspect of the Kentucky agricultural sector, especially in the context of supporting rural economies and ensuring food security. The National

Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) defines a small farm as an operation with a gross cash farm income of $250,000 or less. These farms are typically family-owned and operated, and they represent more than 90 percent of farms in the U.S. These farms face challenges such as urbanization, an aging farmer population, farm consolidation, new and beginning farmers, and changing climate patterns.

Small farms play a vital role in the competitiveness and sustainability of rural and farm economies, protecting and enhancing natural resources and the environment, and maintaining rural populations. Urban small scale farm production is an emerging and fast grow segment of farm economies. The development and sustainability of small farms is important in providing a nursery for new enterprises and marketing systems, which is crucial for innovation and diversification in agriculture. Small farm development can be hindered by access to capital, markets, and technology. Additionally, owners of small farms may lack the knowledge or resources to implement sustainable practices that could improve their economic viability and environmental stewardship.

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

County Situation:

The latest Community Needs Assessment identified supporting small businesses as the number one priority for the area. Local entrepreneurs play a crucial role in the county’s economy, and efforts to provide resources, funding, and guidance aim to strengthen their long-term success. Additionally, the assessment highlighted the importance of ensuring families and individuals have access to affordable, nutritious foods, recognizing that food security is essential for community health and well-being. Another key concern was reducing youth obesity through nutrition and exercise, emphasizing the need for programs that encourage healthy lifestyles from an early age. Community leaders are exploring initiatives to expand local food access, promote education on balanced eating, and increase opportunities for physical activity among children and teenagers. These efforts aim to create a healthier, more sustainable future for residents while bolstering the local economy.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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

Family farms become economically viable.

Kentucky’s local food and agriculture industry are thriving.

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

Youth increase educational outcomes.  

Improved financial and economic well-being

Youth will make sound financial decisions.

Establish networks of urban farms that are integral to their local food systems, providing fresh produce and fostering urban-rural agricultural links.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased production of Kentucky-grown food and increased market opportunities for those products.

Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  

Increased sound financial decision making

Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills

Improved financial security and stability

Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being.

Support the establishment of new farm enterprises that can offer innovative products and practices, enhancing the economic resilience of the small farm sector.

Initial Outcomes:

Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.

Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.

Increased participation in Homebased Microprocessing workshops.

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.

Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance

Youth will aspire to make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) economic and financial well-being decisions.

Facilitate connections between small farm owners and local markets, including urban markets, to help diversify sales channels and improve income stability.

Evaluation:

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

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)

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 

Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 

Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 

Number of trained volunteers. 

Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 

Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

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Long-term Outcome:

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Learning Opportunities:

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.

Dates: Ongoing

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. 

Dates: Ongoing

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 

Dates: September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Non-commercial urban and community gardeners 

Project or Activity: Programming for specialty crop production and management that is non-commercial 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls 

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, community advocacy and faith-based groups, schools 

Dates: TBA

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 

Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 

Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 

Number of trained volunteers. 

Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 

Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Evaluation:

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

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)

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 

Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 

Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 

Number of trained volunteers. 

Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 

Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline:

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline: