Food insecurity rates in rural communities are higher compared to their urban counterparts. Feeding Kentucky reports 1 in 7 adults and 1 in 6 children face hunger, with counties in eastern Kentucky experiencing higher prevalence compared to the rest of the state. These trends are consistent in Martin County where 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 4 children are considered food insecure. Food insecurity in Martin County is exacerbated by persistent poverty and geographic isolation which impede healthy food access. These differences highlight the need for collaborative partnerships involving children and families to support healthy food access in this limited resource community.   

Large-scale agricultural and agricultural opportunities are limited in Martin County due to geography and climate. Combined with the isolation of this rural county, there is often little quantity and quality of affordable produce. Therefore, an unconventional approach is warranted to aid in addressing food insecurity and accessibility barriers. Hydroponic agriculture is a relatively new strategy that can provide opportunities for gardening experience in geographically limited regions. These units are an innovative solution to increase healthy food access and address the persistent food insecurity in rural communities. 

Youth-focused initiatives have already been identified by community members and the Martin County Wellness Coalition as instrumental in health promotion activities. By leveraging trusted and reliable resources in this community, the Martin County Cooperative Extension Office (Family and Consumer Sciences and Agriculture agents) and Martin County Schools partnered to install environmental enhancements at two local schools with funding provided by the High Obesity Program (HOP) project. A total of 50-86 students actively participated in programming at the elementary school in summer 2022. Each student grew lettuce seedlings and transferred them to hydroponic unit pods and were taught how to monitor the water, examine plant nutrients, and care for plants. Each elementary school student took home lettuce to their families once ready for harvesting. Results from the middle school are expected in fall 2022.    

Community partners and site coordinators supported hydroponic growing units, expressing positive feedback on future environmental changes which support healthy food access in their community. Youth participation in the process of growing, maintaining, and harvesting increases the likelihood of healthy food consumption among families. The hydroponic units will remain operational throughout the school year being consistently harvested and sent home to families.  

Other efforts are underway to support increased geographic and financial access to healthier foods. The local Senior Citizens Center has expressed interest in adopting hydroponic gardening at their facility. The HOP project can support this environmental enhancement to aid in combating the growing food insecurity rates exhibited by seniors in the community and support increased access to healthy foods. The Martin County Extension Office is committed to supporting other community organizations in these sustained efforts.