Nutritional ExcellencePlan of Work
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-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.
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
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment