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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026


Nutritional ExcellencePlan of Work

2026

Christian County CES

County Emphasis:
Nutritional Excellence
Concentration 1:
Food Safety, Quality, and Access
Concentration 2:
Plant Production and Management
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. 

Youth Focus 

Kentucky faces significant health and economic challenges, with five of the top ten causes of death being nutrition-relatedAccording 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. 

 

County Situation:

In Christian County, access to affordable, nutritious food remains a significant challenge for many individuals and families. According to the 2024 Christian County Extension Needs Assessment, community members identified ensuring access to affordable, healthy food as a top priority. Many residents, particularly those in low-income or rural areas, face barriers to obtaining and preparing fresh fruits and vegetables, including limited transportation, rising food costs, and a lack of nutrition education or cooking skills. These challenges contribute to poor dietary habits and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 

Youth in Christian County are particularly affected. Reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and physical activity was a key concern identified in the needs assessment. According to the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, Christian County has higher-than-average childhood obesity rates compared to the state average. The lack of knowledge about healthy eating, limited access to affordable, healthy food, and sedentary lifestyles are contributing to this trend. 

 

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult: 

  • Christian County residents of all income levels routinely access and consume nutritious foods. 

  • Fewer adults in Christian County are diagnosed with or at risk for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 

  • More residents meet USDA dietary guidelines, including increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. 

  • Families in Christian County adopt long-term healthy habits that contribute to overall well-being and reduced healthcare costs. 

 

Youth:  

  • Youth in Christian County experience a measurable decline in obesity and poor nutritional health indicators. 

  • Youth demonstrate long-term improvements in educational performance and developmental outcomes due to improved health. 

  • Youth transition into adulthood with the knowledge, habits, and resilience to maintain healthy lifestyles. 

 

 

 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adults: 

  • Participants consistently prepare more meals at home using fresh, nutritious ingredients. 

  • Adults increase daily intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

  • Increased participation in walking and physical activity initiatives  

  • Increased use of safe food preservation methods via canner rental and preservation classes. 

  • Homemakers and podcast listeners share nutrition and wellness knowledge within their families and communities. 

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

  •  

Youth:  

  • Youth apply safe food handling practices and basic cooking techniques. 

  • Youth choose healthier snacks and meals at school and home. 

  • Youth encourage their families to engage in shared meal preparation and healthy eating. 

  • Participants increase their physical activity as part of daily routines 

Initial Outcomes:

Adult: 

  • Increased knowledge of nutrition, meal planning, and food budgeting. 

  • Improved skills in food safety, preparation, and preservation (e.g., canning, freezing). 

  • Greater awareness of community resources and Extension programs related to health and nutrition. 

  • Increased understanding of the link between nutrition and chronic disease prevention. 

Youth: 

  • Youth learn basic food groups, portion sizes, and healthy choices (via LEAP and 4-H). 

  • Youth gain confidence in simple cooking tasks (e.g., measuring, mixing, using safe kitchen tools). 

  • Youth understand the importance of physical activity and healthy habits. 

  • Youth express interest in helping prepare meals and making smart food choices. 

 

Evaluation:

Outcome 

Increase number of growers trained in FSMA 

Indicator 

Certifications 

Method 

Pre and Post Tests 

Timeline 

annually 

 

Outcome 

Adults consistently prepare more meals at home using fresh, nutritious ingredients. 

Indicator 

  • Number of adult participants who report preparing more meals at home post-program. 

  • Number of adults who report incorporating more fruits and vegetables into meals prepared at home. 

  • Number of adults who report a reduction in consumption of pre-packaged or fast food 

Method 

Pre and Post survey  

Timeline 

Conclusion of programs  

 

Outcome 

Participants increase physical activity as part of daily routine 

Indicator 

  • Number of adults and youth reporting increased daily physical activity levels. 

  • Number of participants who adopt walking routines or participate regularly in physical activity programs? 

Method 

Data collected from participants tracking activity 

Timeline 

Collected Monthly during program 

 

Outcome 

Youth apply safe food handling practices and basic cooking techniques. 

Indicator 

  • Number of youth who demonstrate safe handwashing, utensil use, and food storage in 4-H or Junior Homemakers settings. 

  • Number of youth who can follow basic recipes independently. 

Method 

  • 4-H Common Measures (Healthy Living Module) 

  • Observation checklists during workshops (e.g., Laugh & Learn, 4-H cooking clubs) 

  • Self-assessment and instructor observation 

Timeline 

Annually or after program concludes 

 

Outcome 

Youth gaining basic cooking skills and knowledge to make the healthy choice the easy choice 

Indicator 

  • Number of youth participants who report preparing more meals at home post-program. 

  • Number of youth who report incorporating more fruits and vegetables into meals prepared at home. 

  • Number of youth who report a reduction in consumption of pre-packaged or fast food 

Method 

Pre and Post survey  

Timeline 

Before and Conclusion of programs 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience 

Youth 

Project or Activity 

Food for Thought 

Content or Curriculum 

Plate it Up Recipes 

Inputs 

  • Teaching Youth varieties of healthy foods at lunch 

  • Extension Agents and Staff 

  • Christian County Public Schools 

  • Plate it Up Recipes 

  • Engaging youth at lunch once at week for 1 month 

Date(s) 

Annually 

 

Audience 

Youth 

Project or Activity 

Leap/Laugh & Learn 

Content or Curriculum 

Leap Curriculum, Laugh & Learn Playdates Curriculum 

Inputs 

School partnerships, programmatic materials 

Date(s) 

Monthly 

 

Audience 

Youth 

Project or Activity 

Junior Homemakers 

Content or Curriculum 

Variety of Extension Curriculum 

Inputs 

Volunteers, programmatic materials, partnerships  

Date(s) 

Monthly 

 

Audience 

Homemakers 

Project or Activity 

Christian County Homemakers 

Content or Curriculum 

Variety of Extension Curriculum

Inputs 

Volunteers, Programmatic materials

Date(s) 

Monthly 

 

Audience 

Youth and Adults 

Project or Activity 

NEP Programming 

Content or Curriculum 

NEP Curriculum  

Inputs 

Programmatic materials, community partnerships 

Date(s) 

Daily 

 

Audience 

Individuals 

Project or Activity 

Canner Rental Program 

Content or Curriculum 

FCS Canning Publications & Videos 

Inputs 

Canning information, canning supplies, support staff assistance 

Date(s) 

As Requested 

 

 

Audience 

Youth 

Project or Activity 

4-H Clubs 

Content or Curriculum 

Cooing 101, Cooking 102, Cooking 103, Cooking 104 

Inputs 

  • 4-H Youth Development Agents 

  • Funding from the Christian County Extension Office 

  • Engagement of youth in programs monthly 

  • 4-H Cooking Clubs 

  • Learning a sense of belonging and spark in meaningful opportunities 

Date(s) 

Monthly 

 

Audience 

Individuals 

Project or Activity 

Life Simplified Podcast 

Content or Curriculum 

Variety of Extension Curriculum and Publications 

Inputs 

Podcasting tech, programmatic materials, editing software 

Date(s) 

Weekly 

 

Audience 

Communities 

Project or Activity 

Walk Your Way 

Content or Curriculum 

Move Your Way 

Inputs 

Programmatic materials 

Date(s) 

Annual 

 

Audience 

Individuals 

Project or Activity 

World’s Greatest Baby Shower 

Content or Curriculum 

Variety of FCS Nutrition Publications 

Inputs 

Extension Publications, community partnerships, Extension Specialist support, programmatic materials 

Date(s) 

Annually  

 

Audience 

Youth 

Project or Activity 

Outdoor Cooking 

Content or Curriculum 

Cooking 101, Cooking 102, Cooking 103, Cooking 104 

Inputs 

  • 4-H Youth Development Agents 

  • Agriculture & Natural Resource Agent 

  • Engagement of youth for day program 

  • 4-H Outdoor Cooking Day Program 

  • Gaining a sense of belonging and spark through hands-pon learning 

Date(s) 

Annually 

 

Audience 

Home Gardeners 

Project or Activity 

Home Fruit and Vegetable Classes 

Content or Curriculum 

Twilight Tours; Workshops 

Inputs 

Horticulture Agent 

Master Gardeners 

Local partners 

Date(s) 

Annually 

 

Audience 

Produce Growers 

Project or Activity 

FSMA Training 

Content or Curriculum 

Produce Safety Alliance 

Inputs 

Horticulture Agent 

PSA 

UK Specialist Dr. Vijakumar 

Date(s) 

Annually 

 

Audience 

Youth 

Project or Activity 

Super Star Chef 

Content or Curriculum 

Super Star Chef Curriculum 

Inputs 

  • 4-H Youth Development Agents 

  • Family Consumer Science Agent 

  • Engagement of youth for program 

  • Gaining a sense of belonging and spark through hands-on learning 

Date(s) 

Annually 

Evaluation:

Outcome 

Increase number of growers trained in FSMA 

Indicator 

Certifications 

Method 

Pre and Post Tests 

Timeline 

annually 

 

Outcome 

Adults consistently prepare more meals at home using fresh, nutritious ingredients. 

Indicator 

  • Number of adult participants who report preparing more meals at home post-program. 

  • Number of adults who report incorporating more fruits and vegetables into meals prepared at home. 

  • Number of adults who report a reduction in consumption of pre-packaged or fast food 

Method 

Pre and Post survey  

Timeline 

Conclusion of programs  

 

Outcome 

Participants increase physical activity as part of daily routine 

Indicator 

  • Number of adults and youth reporting increased daily physical activity levels. 

  • Number of participants who adopt walking routines or participate regularly in physical activity programs? 

Method 

Data collected from participants tracking activity 

Timeline 

Collected Monthly during program 

 

Outcome 

Youth apply safe food handling practices and basic cooking techniques. 

Indicator 

  • Number of youth who demonstrate safe handwashing, utensil use, and food storage in 4-H or Junior Homemakers settings. 

  • Number of youth who can follow basic recipes independently. 

Method 

  • 4-H Common Measures (Healthy Living Module) 

  • Observation checklists during workshops (e.g., Laugh & Learn, 4-H cooking clubs) 

  • Self-assessment and instructor observation 

Timeline 

Annually or after program concludes 

 

Outcome 

Youth gaining basic cooking skills and knowledge to make the healthy choice the easy choice 

Indicator 

  • Number of youth participants who report preparing more meals at home post-program. 

  • Number of youth who report incorporating more fruits and vegetables into meals prepared at home. 

  • Number of youth who report a reduction in consumption of pre-packaged or fast food 

Method 

Pre and Post survey  

Timeline 

Before and Conclusion of programs