Success Stories - Kentucky Extension Reporting System

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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

Cooperative Extension Service

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

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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: 2025

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Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

Alpha-gal Syndrome: Addressing Kentucky’s Growing Health Concern

Author: Jonathan Larson

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Although still considered "rare" compared to other medical issues in Kentucky, the state has one of the highest rates of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) in the U.S., with some counties reporting the highest cases per capita, according to the CDC. AGS develops in some individuals after being bitten by a lone star tick. There is no known treatment, but symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes. This includes eliminating exposure to the alpha-gal allergen found in foods (e.g.,

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Hunger in Kentucky-Do More

Author: Elizabeth Maxedon

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Describe the Issue or Situation.Food insecurity is the consistent lack of enough food for everyone in a household to live an active, healthy life. According to 2018 data from the Feeding America website, the percentage of food insecurity in Kentucky is 14.8%. Hunger is a problem in every part of the United States. But it is more common in rural areas. Rural areas comprise less than two-thirds of all U.S. counties, but 9 out of 10 counties with the highest food insecurity rates are rural.&nb

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Campfire Cooking

Author: Kayla Lunsford

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

This time of year, everyone is thinking about fall activities. Camping and cooking over a fire is a great option for families because of its affordability and ease to plan. However, one barrier that may inhibit people from getting outdoors is a lack of knowledge on how to cook over an open flame, or possibly even how to start a fire in the first place.  The Garrard County Extension Office offered a program to educate on these topics. The goal was to educate participants on healthy outdoor r

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Cooking Through the Calendar in 2024!

Author: Kayla Lunsford

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

According to the CDC and data collected from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, only 9% of adults consumed the recommended amount of vegetables, and only 12% consumed the recommended amount of fruit. Because of barriers such as high cost, lack of availability and access, and perceived lack of ability to prepare and cook, many are going without the essential nutrients they need. In order to address those needs and provide continuing education, Lunch and Learn, a community f

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Tasty Tuesdays Takes Over Second Street School's Preschool

Author: Carla Carter

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Tasty Tuesdays Takes Over Second Street School's Preschool

Tasty Tuesdays Takes Over Second Street School's PreschoolBackground: Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States, affecting 1 in 5 children. Recent studies estimate that 57% of today’s children will be obese by age 35. Poor nutrition, starting early in life, contributes to various health issues such as chronic constipation, gastrointestinal reflux, urinary tract infections, bedwetting, difficulty paying attention, anxiety, and fatigue.Program Overview: Dr. Y

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A "Turn Around" for those in Need

Author: Ruth Chowning

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

In 2025 The Bullitt County Extension office began partnering with a local food bank and distribution site, The Turn Around Center is located in the southern part of the county.  As a non-profit, The Turn Around Center, uses volunteers to provide food boxes and a hot meal to those in need.  Over 500 individuals and families use this food distribution center and the weekly meals served. The Family and Consumer Science department gave out recipes using the food placed in the monthly

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Food For Thought

Author: Kelly Jackson

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

The Issue:Obesity is a large problem for many children in the United States. Some of the reasons for this is families not having the resources for healthy food options, resources for an appropriate diet, and youth only wanting to eat food that they are familiar with. According to americashealthrankings.org, there is a 33.3% obesity rate for Kentucky’s youth ages 10-17 putting Kentucky in 38th ranking. Through Extension, we want to help promote healthy living and have youth learn to th

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Living with Alpha Gal Syndrome Webinar Watch Party

Author: Reena Martin

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Living with Alpha Gal Syndrome Webinar Watch Party

While still considered “rare” relative to other medical issues in the state, Kentucky is one of the states with the most cases of alpha-gal syndrome in the US, according to the CDC, with some Kentucky counties presenting the highest cases per capita in the country. This condition is developed in some people after a bite from a lone star tick. There is no known treatment for alpha-gal syndrome. Instead, lifestyle changes can be made that help manage and reduce the symptoms. This inclu

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Planning Budget Friendly Menus

Author: Sandra Kennedy

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

 Using resources for planning your menus each week has many advantages.As we do our planning for the weeks ahead let’s focus on the cost. With children it may look more stressful due to their individual likes and dislikes. A mother of two had struggles with planning meals her children would enjoy, they didn’t like anything, so she attempted to try them on new foods. She contacted the Clark Extension Office to find resources and ways to help. Our Senior Program Assistan

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Cooking Across Cultures: Nourishing Skills for Refugees

Author: Ola Donahue

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Starting life in a new country presents many challenges — from learning a new language to navigating unfamiliar grocery stores and understanding how to cook with new ingredients. In Kentucky, these challenges are shared by thousands of individuals each year. Between October 2022 and September 2023, over 2,520 refugees were resettled in the state, with many families coming from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, and South America. Kentucky remains one of the top states for r

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Empowering Independence Through Cooking Skills

Author: Ola Donahue

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

 Situation Young adults and teens with disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome often face challenges in developing independent living skills, including cooking and nutrition. Families and caregivers frequently report concerns about food safety, limited food preferences, and a lack of opportunities for skill-building in a supportive environment. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 6 U.S. children has a developmental disability. As they grow into adulthood, there is a critical need f

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Floyd County Famers' Market Senior Nutrition Program.

Author: Andrea Slone

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Describe the Issue or Situation.In 2019, the Floyd County Farmers’ Market became eligible to accept the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Vouchers.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The Floyd County Extension Office became the distributor for this program and has continued through 2025 with the Family & Consumer Science and SNAP-ed Nutrition Education Program. The Kentucky Department of Ag

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Power of Produce (POP Club) + Mobile Edition

Author: Sarah Congleton

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Power of Produce (POP Club) + Mobile Edition

Describe the Issue or SituationAccess to fresh produce and nutrition education can be a challenge for families in rural and underserved areas of Montgomery County. While the Power of Produce (POP Club) at the local farmers market has been successful in teaching kids about healthy eating, not all families have the transportation or time to attend market events. In order to expand access and engagement, a new approach was needed to meet families where they are—right in their own communities.

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Career Craze

Author: Abbigale Gray

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Many youth from immigrant families face unique barriers in accessing career exploration opportunities, particularly in rural communities. These students may be unfamiliar with the variety of local career paths available to them and often lack early exposure to workforce environments. There is a growing need to provide hands-on, engaging programs that help students envision their future and build connections within their communities.Career Craze, a collaborative effort coordinated by Maysville Co

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Cooking Under Pressure

Author: Leah VanMeter

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

A systematic review of the research published in 2021 on the benefits of in-home eating showed an increase in the consumption of fruits, vegetable and healthful nutrients. (Diet and Health Benefits Associated with In-Home Eating and Sharing Meals at Home: A Systematic Review - PMC) Barriers to eating at home include lack of access to affordable or high quality food, lack of time to purchase and prepare foods, and lack of skills and knowledge of food preparation methods.The Butler County Family a

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LEAP at Longest Elementary

Author: Viola Wood

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Describe the Issue or Situation.According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Kentucky has one of the highest prevalence for pediatric obesity in the nation.  Approximately 38% of Kentucky children ages 5-10 years are considered overweight or obese according to BMI-for-age standards. Half of Kentucky’s children in limited resource families are overweight or obese.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).To address this issue of chi

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Planning Holiday Meals on a Thrifty Budget

Author: Lynnette Allen

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Inflation has driven the cost of groceries higher in recent years. According to USDA Economic Research Food Price Outlook (2025), food prices in May 2025 were 2.9 percent higher than in May 2024.  This may not be as much as an increase as in most recent years, but it continues to make it difficult for limited resource families.  The high average prices make meal budgeting, especially holiday meals which tend to cost more, extremely important. To address this issue the Breckinridge Coun

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Meals Made Easy

Author: Shannon Smith

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

For the third consecutive year, the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agent from Bracken and Mason County's FCS Program Assistant have partnered to deliver the highly popular Meals Made Easy series. This program is designed for adults who are looking for fresh, simple, and healthy dinner ideas to help break out of the “same old thing” routine at mealtime.Recognizing the need for practical cooking support in today’s busy households, the series is offered twice each mon

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Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
S107 Ag. Science Center North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
+1 (859) 257-4302

© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment