Todd County CES

County Emphasis:

Promoting Mental & Physical Health & Well Being

Concentration 1:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 2:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 3:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Concentration 4:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Situation:

Food Safety, Quality, 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. 

 

Health & Well-Being 

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. 

 

Substance Use Prevention & 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. 

 

Mental Health and Well-Being 

More than ever before, people are feeling the burden of stress on their wellbeing. 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 wellbeing. 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 wellbeing 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 improve 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 wellbeing. By emphasizing mental health and offering targeted

educational initiatives, we can create a brighter future for Kentucky’s youth. 

 

County Situation:

Mental Health & Wellbeing and Access to Affordable Nutritious Foods are top issues in Todd County, according to the 2023 University of Kentucky Community Assessment.  Twenty percent of youth in Todd County under 19 years old live below the poverty line.  The National Institute of Health indicates that the stress of poverty in childhood is linked to substance abuse in young adults.  In 2022, USDA reports showed 14% of Todd County households receive SNAP benefits.  Additionally, 2020 County Health Rankings show that 19% of Todd County adults reported 14 or more days of poor mental health per month.   

  

Healthy living is one of three 4-H mission mandates. Components of Kentucky 4-H Health Core Curriculum include: physical activity, substance abuse, bullying, safety, and character education. Moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, stress and high blood pressure. There were 1,160 reported opioid involved deaths (a rate of 27.9 deaths per 100,000 persons) Vaping nearly doubled among Kentucky's middle and high school students — with 27% of high school seniors reporting they had tried the product in 2018. Early substance use in childhood/adolescence affects later drug use (National Healthy Living Task Force). Almost 30% of youth in the United States (or over 5.7 million) are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, a target of bullying, or both (http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/faq/bullying.asp). Suicide rates are at a record high with Kentucky ranking the 10th highest in nation. 

According to the most recent data about Todd County from KentuckyHealthFacts.org, 38% of adults lack physical activity compared to 29% for the state; 32% are obese; 70% are overweight compared to 67% statewide; only 17% eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables; 20% smoke compared to 27% of the state; 15% suffer from loss of 6 or more teeth; 25% of adults rate their health as less than good; 9% have diabetes; 29% have high blood pressure; deaths due to heart disease and stroke are slightly higher than the state 

average; 48% of women have adequate prenatal care; 8% of all babies are low birth weight; 71% of children ages 19-35 month have immunization coverage; 11% of youth smoke; 15% of children under the age of 19 are uninsured (6% higher than the state average); and drug arrests are higher than the state average. The Kentucky Cancer registry reports overall deaths from cancer slightly lower than the state average, but higher rates of colorectal cancer than the state average.

The 2014 KIP Data from Todd County Schools shows that rates of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use by youth age 12-17 are unreasonably high. In Todd County, 11% of the 8th grade students admitted to smoking cigarettes; 21% of the 10th grade students admitted to smoking tobacco; while 13% of the 12th grade students admitted to smoking cigarettes in the last 30 days. Furthermore, 24% of the 8th graders say they have drunk more than a sip of alcohol, while 35% of 10th graders drank alcohol at least once or twice a month and over 38% of the 12th graders drank within 30 days. Marijuana usage falls between 11 and 13% in the 8th-12 grades. Furthermore, Kentucky ranks 13th in the nation in oxycodone use (DEC Fact Sheet, 2005). 

Currently a great need for substance abuse prevention and education exists. With little entertainment or nothing recreational to do in Todd County, youth often hang out together on the streets with minimal parental supervision and are exposed to negative peer pressures which lead to negative behavior and activities. Children and teens are also spending an increasing amount of time using computers and the internet.  

To address these related health issues, Todd County extension agents and the nutrition education program assistant will target programs to promote good mental health, substance abuse prevention, improved nutrition, healthy eating, food safety, gardening skills, and farm safety. 

 

The Todd County 4-H Youth Development Agent will work with community partners, 4-H volunteers and leaders to improve the self-image of youth in order that they make lasting and healthy lifestyle changes to improve their overall quality of life. 

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth 

• 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. 
• Improve their self-esteem and safety and have stronger, healthier bodies 
• Decrease their use of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use 
• Increase their safety practices when using social media 
• Improved social and emotional competencies 
• Reduced youth substance use 
• Improved quality of life 

 

Adult 

• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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 
• 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 
• Reduced incidence of mental health crises and suicide 
• Increased access to mental health care and resources for all 

 

Intermediate Outcomes:

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.
• Demonstrate self-esteem and an improved personal image. 
• Build strong relationships with peers and adult mentors through trips and activities. 
• Practice effective conflict resolution and communication skills at home and at school by controlling anger and improving personal relationships. 
• Seek help in cessation programs. 
• Communicate more effectively and more consistently with parents about ATOD use. 
• Use proper blocking techniques when opening internet accounts. 
• Parents will...build strong relationships with their children through workbook and take home exercises through the Keep a Clear Mind Program. 
• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs 

 

Adult

• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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 
• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based recovery capital-building programs 
• Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder 
• 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 

 

 

Initial Outcomes:

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 
• Learn how to like their bodies and personalities 
• Learn how to say no to alcohol and other drugs and increase their safety behind the wheel 
• Learn how to be tolerant of others 
• Learn how to exhibit strong character 
• Gain an understanding of emotions, peer pressure, parent practices, methods and regulations 
• Learn how to be a good, upstanding citizen in the community 
• Learn the dangers of tobacco 
• Understand the dangers of internet, snap chat, Face Book, and Instagram accounts 
• Increased knowledge about substance use 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 intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). 
• Parents will learn how to communicate with their child on alcohol, tobacco, and drug issues 

 

 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 Homebased Microprocessing 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.). 

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  
• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based recovery capital-building programs 
• Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder 

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 making decision 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 ability to recognize and respond to a mental health concern 
• 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) 

 

Evaluation:

YOUTH

Initial Outcome:  Youth will gain knowledge and understanding of health and wellness

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.
• Number of individuals reporting an increased awareness of how to find and prepare local food   
• Number of policy, systems, and/or environmental changes implemented within communities and organizations to promote active living, and healthy eating 
• 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 through Extension programs or resources.   
• 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:  Pre/post participant evaluations; Standard evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing Survey

Timeline:  Throughout fiscal year

Intermediate Outcome:  Youth will adopt health and wellness behaviors; Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation

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.
• 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. 

Method:  Pre/post participant evaluations; Standard evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing Survey

Timeline:  Throughout fiscal year; End of club/program year

Long-term Outcome:  Youth will engage in healthier lifestyles and improved wellness.  Increased 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.)

Indicator:  

• 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.  
• Number of individuals who were introduced to health food access points through Extension programs or resources. 
• Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

 Method:  Surveys, resources distributed, Pre/post participant evaluations; Standard evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing Survey

Timeline:  Throughout fiscal year

ADULT

Outcome:  Increased confidence in growing and preparing food

Indicators:  Number of participants reporting (short-term) or demonstrating (intermediate) improved knowledge and skills in growing and/or preparing food

Method:  Observation by agent or number of participants who report improved knowledge (initial); number of particiapnts who grow and/or prepare their own food (intermediate)

Timeline:  Post-program

Initial Outcome:  Improved grain safety practices

Indicator:  Number of first responders and farmers completing grain safety training; number reporting increase in knowledge

Method:  Surveys, feedback from participants through conversation

Timeline:  Post-program

Outcome:  Increased health-promoting behaviors (e.g., prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings, increased physical activity)

Indicator(s):  Number of participants who report improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program (initial); Number of participants who practice health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program

Method:  Observation by agent, self-reported surveys, post-program survey, follow-up

Timeline:  Throughout fiscal year

Outcome:  Improved self-care and other coping strategies

Indicator(s):  Number of participants who intend to adopt self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being; Number of participants adopt self-care strategies and improve their own mental health and well-being (intermediate) 

Method:  Post-participation survey/evaluation results

Timeline:  Administered after program and follow-up in 3-6 months

Outcome:  Increased and/or strengthened partnerships address community health issues

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

Method:  Observation by agent, self-reported surveys, post-program survey

Timeline:  Throughout fiscal year.

Outcome:  Increased substance use refusal skills

Indicators: Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming (initial); number of participants who reported they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills (intermediate).

Method:  Self-reported surveys, post-evaluation, and follow-up

Timeline:  Post-program/curricula survey administration and follow-up survey.

Outcome:  Reduced incidence of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, substance abuse, increased mental health, wellness, and self-care

Indicators: Health indicators for Todd County will improve (long-term)

Method: Data provided by health indices 

Timeline: Long-term

Learning Opportunities:

Youth

Audience:  Youth

Project or Activity:  Nutrition and food preparation programs as well as mindfulness and substance abuse prevention strategies

Content or Curriculum:  Jump into Food and Fitness, Wellness in Kentucky, Mindfulness Curriculum, 4-H Spark, 4-H Foods and Outdoor Cooking curriculum, Mindful Mechanics, Get Experience in Mindfulness (GEM)

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 such as: 

• 4-H Cooking Class at 4-H Camp  
• 4-H Cooking Club (monthly)  
• Migrant Summer Day Camp (June )  
• Jump rope workshop for elementary school students and middle school students.
• Work with Todd County ASAP to educate youth at risk about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. (all year) 
• Provide an alcohol drinking and driving prevention workshop at the high school for the sophomore class called Sweet 16 Auto Safety Camp in the spring. 
• Work closely with the Champions Community Group to provide substance abuse prevention programming for all youth in Todd County. (all year) 
• Work with the community education coordinator and Youth Service Center to administer the KEEP curriculum to 6th grade students at Todd County Middle School. (August -May) 

Dates:  4-H Program Year

Adult

Audience:  K-12 Students; Senior Citizens

Project or Activity:  Gardening activity lessons and related recipes

Content or Curriculum:  UK Extension Horticulture Resources; Plan, Eat, Move Web Resources; Gardening Coloring Pages

Inputs:  Agriculture Agent; Family Resource and Youth Service Center; Senior Center

Date:  Throughout growing season

Audience:  Emergency Responders, Grain Farmers

Project or Activity:  Grain Bin Safety & Rescue Training

Content or Curriculum:  Kentucky Department of Agriculture and UK Extension Resources

Inputs:  Coordination with Todd County Emergency Management and Raising Hope Kentucky

Date:  December 2025

Audience:  Facebook Followers

Project or Activity:  Cooking through the Calendar on Facebook Live

Content or Curriculum:  NEP Food & Nutrition Calendar

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, etc.

Date:  First Thursday of each month

Audience:  Extension Homemakers, Public

Project or Activity:  Making Friends with Food:  The Power of Positive Food Talk

Content or Curriculum:  FCS

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, homemaker members

Date:  March 2026

Audience:  Extension Homemakers, Public

Project or Activity:  Food Preservation - Freezing

Content or Curriculum:  FCS

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, homemaker members

Date:  April 2026

Audience:  Public

Project or Activity:  Food Preservation Classes

Content or Curriculum:  FCS

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, homemaker members

Dates:  May, June 2026

Audience:  Extension Homemakers

Project or Activity:  Mental Health Matters

Content or Curriculum:  FCS

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, homemaker members

Date:  May 2026

Audience:  Adults, Senior Citizens

Project or Activity:  Wits Workout Classes

Content or Curriculum:  Wits Workout

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, homemaker members

Dates:  Fall, Spring (6 classes)

Audience:  Extension Homemakers, Public

Project or Activity:  Homemade Series of Baking Classes

Content or Curriculum:  FCS

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, homemaker members

Dates:  Throughout the year

Evaluation:

YOUTH

Initial Outcome:  Youth will gain knowledge and understanding of health and wellness

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.
• Number of individuals reporting an increased awareness of how to find and prepare local food   
• Number of policy, systems, and/or environmental changes implemented within communities and organizations to promote active living, and healthy eating 
• 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 through Extension programs or resources.   
• 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:  Pre/post participant evaluations; Standard evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing Survey

Timeline:  Throughout fiscal year

Intermediate Outcome:  Youth will adopt health and wellness behaviors; Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation

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.
• 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. 

Method:  Pre/post participant evaluations; Standard evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing Survey

Timeline:  Throughout fiscal year; End of club/program year

Long-term Outcome:  Youth will engage in healthier lifestyles and improved wellness.  Increased 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.)

Indicator:  

• 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.  
• Number of individuals who were introduced to health food access points through Extension programs or resources. 
• Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

 Method:  Surveys, resources distributed, Pre/post participant evaluations; Standard evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing Survey

Timeline:  Throughout fiscal year

ADULT

Outcome:  Increased confidence in growing and preparing food

Indicators:  Number of participants reporting (short-term) or demonstrating (intermediate) improved knowledge and skills in growing and/or preparing food

Method:  Observation by agent or number of participants who report improved knowledge (initial); number of particiapnts who grow and/or prepare their own food (intermediate)

Timeline:  Post-program

Initial Outcome:  Improved grain safety practices

Indicator:  Number of first responders and farmers completing grain safety training; number reporting increase in knowledge

Method:  Surveys, feedback from participants through conversation

Timeline:  Post-program

Outcome:  Increased health-promoting behaviors (e.g., prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings, increased physical activity)

Indicator(s):  Number of participants who report improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program (initial); Number of participants who practice health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program

Method:  Observation by agent, self-reported surveys, post-program survey, follow-up

Timeline:  Throughout fiscal year

Outcome:  Improved self-care and other coping strategies

Indicator(s):  Number of participants who intend to adopt self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being; Number of participants adopt self-care strategies and improve their own mental health and well-being (intermediate) 

Method:  Post-participation survey/evaluation results

Timeline:  Administered after program and follow-up in 3-6 months

Outcome:  Increased and/or strengthened partnerships address community health issues

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

Method:  Observation by agent, self-reported surveys, post-program survey

Timeline:  Throughout fiscal year.

Outcome:  Increased substance use refusal skills

Indicators: Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming (initial); number of participants who reported they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills (intermediate).

Method:  Self-reported surveys, post-evaluation, and follow-up

Timeline:  Post-program/curricula survey administration and follow-up survey.

Outcome:  Reduced incidence of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, substance abuse, increased mental health, wellness, and self-care

Indicators: Health indicators for Todd County will improve (long-term)

Method: Data provided by health indices 

Timeline: Long-term