McCracken County CES Program Indicators and Success StoriesJul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025





2066 - Nutrition and Food Systems General
2066.1) 20

Number of individuals who reported eating 4-6 servings of fruits and/or vegetables daily

2066.2) 30

Number of individuals who reported they utilized delivery systems/access points (e.g. farmers’ markets, CSAs, WIC, food pantries) that offer healthy foods

2066.5) 75

Number of individuals who reported increased knowledge, skills, or intentions related to using the nutrition facts label

2066.4) 10

Number of families/caregivers who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew or preserved (community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting, farmers markets)

2066.3) 0

Dollars in EBT, WIC, or Senior benefits redeemed at farmers’ markets



Success Stories

Family Service Society

Author: Stephanie Caldwell

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Education Program Assistant, partnered with the Family Service Society to provide critical support to residents of Paducah and McCracken County. Family Service Society helps local families in need by offering food, clothing, prescription medications, emergency dental care, utility assistance, personal hygiene items, household goods, and Christmas food assistance. Together, these two organizations launched a six-week program called Cook Together, Eat Together for Families, providing hands-on cook

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Empowering Middle Schoolers with Healthy Cooking Skills

Author: Stephanie Caldwell

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

In today’s fast-paced world, many youths are inundated with unhealthy food options and often lack the knowledge to make informed choices about their nutrition. Recognizing this, In a proactive effort to promote healthier habits, the Cooperative Extension partnered with Heath Middle School to create a cooking club for 12 enthusiastic youth, ranging from grades 6-8. The initiative spanned six sessions, utilizing the "Teen Cuisine" curriculum. This program, designed specifically for

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Drug Court 2024

Author: Stephanie Caldwell

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

The McCracken County Drug Court and the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service recently partnered to deliver the Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body (HCYRB) curriculum to drug court participants, helping them make lasting changes in their health and recovery journey. With the help of the Senior Nutrition Education Program Assistant, the program reached 13 participants, ranging in age from 23 to 60, offering education and support for healthier living while promoting recovery from sub

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Youth Garden Adventure Summer Camps

Author: Stephanie Caldwell

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service, Senior Nutrition Education Program Assistant, the Horticulture Agent, and their assistant, organized Youth Garden Adventure Summer Camps throughout the county. A total of 104 youth attended the camps, which catered to children in grades K-2 and 3-5. The camps used the Serving Up MyPlate “Yummy Curriculum” to teach children about healthy eating habits, the importance of physical activity, and gardening.The camps were designed to be b

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