Author: Alivia Faris
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
The Lawrence County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences conducted a program through the online tool “Google Classroom.” This platform assisted the agent in addressing the need for nutrition classes, as indicated by the county’s higher then state average chronic diseases statistics, while marinating “social distancing.” Using Google classroom also allowed individuals who had never been to an extension program before to access Extension’s resea
Author: Lora Davidson
In 2020 the Pandemic of the COVID-19 has threatened the lives and livelihood throughout the world. In Harlan County we rank 115 out of 120 counties in the overall health outcome. 32% obesity rate5.7% food environment index7.4% unemployment44% of children living in poverty. These numbers show the poverty rate and the impact that food insecurities can have on the members of the community. Harlan food insecurity rate is ranked at 28.3% with 11% likely ineligible according to
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
The COVID-19 Pandemic demonstrates the fragility of our food system. Although plenty of food is being produced, there is a bottleneck in distribution. As a result, Kentuckians are coming together to not only support local agriculture but also have an increased interest in growing their own food in home or community gardens. As a response to this interest, the Woodford County Horticulture and Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered to distribute Family Garden Kits, Container Garden Kits, and
Preparing and cooking wild game is an important skill that hunters need to know about, and more than just “how to cook”, but also about food safety. In partnership with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, a two-day workshop was held to educate hunters on laws and regulations, hunting tactics and safety, proper wild game butchering, meat handling safety, freezing, jerky-making, and home-canning. Day one of the workshop involved new hunters learning all about t
Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is important for proper growth and development and to prevent various health conditions. Consuming the recommended amount of vegetables each day is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity. This equals 2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day, depending on age and gender. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 6.3% of adults in Kentucky meet the daily vegetable intake recommendations and mo
Author: Amy Stooksbury
Census reporter.org shows Todd County has a 19% poverty rate for seniors over the age of 65. To help meet the needs of seniors, the Pennyrile Allied Community Services (PACS) Todd County Senior Center provides meals and services free to individuals 60 years and older on a daily basis. Seniors enjoy the fellowship with other seniors, but for most seniors, the lunch meal is the main source of nutrition for the day. The outbreak of Covid-19 closed the Todd County Senior Citizens Center
Author: Caroline Durr
According to the most recent data from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Service’s Report from December 2015, there were 110,516 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Jefferson County (Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Data Book, December 2015). To bridge the gap between providing access to nutritious foods and a lack of knowledge regarding healthy food preparation, nutrition education programs have been designed and implemented. The Kentuck
Author: Jennifer Burgess
In 2013, Lee County had 2,042 residents who were considered obese, representing one-third of the population. Approximately, 20% of Kentucky youth from ages 10-17 are obese. New research indicates that when kids are involved in prepping and cooking their own meals, they are more likely to choose better foods. In January 2019, Laken Campbell, Agent for Family and Consumer Science Education and Jennifer Burgess, SNAP Assistant started “Cooking through the Calendar” in Lee County. A
Author: Kelly Mackey
According the to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 36.6% of adults over 18 are obese and 31.9% have an overweight classification. In addition, 42.7% of adults reported consuming fruit less than one time daily and 17% of adults reported consuming vegetables less than one time daily. In an attempt to improve these percentages and showcase healthy and affordable recipes, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the Calloway County Public Library to provide a program called Coo
Author: Luciana Hockersmith
An estimated 20% of adults in the United States have tried at least one meal kit delivery service. With the demand for convenience in our society, meal kits seem to be the answer for grocery shopping, meal planning, and meal preparation. For those who have not tried meal kits, consumers are interested in learning about how meal kits work and whether or not they are worth the investment for preparing and consuming more meals at home.In response to this, the Mercer County Extension Agent for Famil
Author: Cathy Sparks
Food security in Magoffin County is a big issue for many of our citizens. The county suffers from the highest unemployment rate in the state. In addition to unemployment, there is a shortage of food sources because of the closing of 4 of the 6 major food stores in the county. The food insecurity rate is 23.9% compared to the state's average of 15.5%. Many children in the county rely on the food that they are served at school, as their main food source. Covid-19
Author: Stephanie Derifield
Nutrition Education Program (NEP) assistants in District 1 counties continue to develop and strengthen new partnerships with addiction recovery care centers within the region. In September, 2019, NEP Area Nutrition Agent, along with four (4) NEP assistants, met with the CEO, directors and peer support workers (approximately 40 present) from Addiction Recovery Care Centers to develop and strengthen KYNEP’s reach in inpatient and outpatient facilities. Area Nutrition Agent pres
Author: Teresa King
Since the outbreak of Covid-19 families throughout Kentucky and the nation have found themselves in the situation of having to cook more often at home. This pandemic has put an end to going through a drive-thru or sitting down at a restaurant three to four times a week. New skills such as planning, using what is in your pantry, and feeding your family a healthy, well rounded meal has become the new normal for families.In an attempt to help some of these families, the Meade County Cooperative Exp
Author: Margie Hernandez
According to 2018 data from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 32.1 million adult women had a mental and/or substance use disorder. Much research has been done to show a link to drug abuse and poor nutrition, and how proper nutrition habits play an important role in the rehabilitation process. While in recovery, many people neglect their diet and may have developed nutritional deficiencies by not eating regular meals, not eating enough due to loss of appet
Author: Katie Wallace
In 2019 Cooking through the Calendar began as a monthly cooking program that focused on the NEP/FCS calendar and its feature recipe of the month. Participants would gather at the Elliott County Extension Office and participate in the cooking demonstration, receive cooking reinforcement items, and have the opportunity to sample that months recipe. Beginning in 2020 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, Katie Wallace, decided to take this program a step further. During the January session, Katie
Author: Tracy Cowles
Often limited resource families want to “do better” but don’t know how. The Family Resource Center reached out the Butler County FCS Agent and wanted to partner in a three-part series on food preparations, eating healthy, and incorporating kids in the kitchen.Each participant received incentives provided by the FRC. A slow cooker, electric skillet and electric pressure cookers were among the items they received. Average attendance was 35 at each section.Oral evaluation was cond
Author: Cecelia Hostilo
Social media outlets seem to be the growing way to communicate with people in our fast paced society. With 78% of the population of Trigg County being under the age of 65, social media outlets such as Facebook is an important communication tool. In Trigg County the FCS agent has maintained the Trigg County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences program Facebook page for several years, but its reach has been limited. Two weeks into working from home, the FCS agent be
Author: Leslie Workman
During the spring and early summer of 2020, the Pike County Extension Service Family & Consumer Sciences program altered delivery of educational programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because schools, businesses and offices were closed, the state of Kentucky was under order to minimize person-to-person contact. This order meant that traditional FCS programs had to be offered in new and innovative ways. It also meant that families and children were often home in quarantine-l
