According to the 2019 Kentucky Kids Count Data Profile, 19.9% of Pulaski County children live in households which are considered food insecure.  Additionally, 30.8% are living in poverty. The statistics indicate individuals at or below poverty levels in America are not meeting their dietary recommended percentage of fruits and vegetables. To combat this crisis, the Pulaski County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the Pulaski County 4-H Agent and the Pulaski County Horticulture Agent to conduct a Gardening Day Camp focusing on growing and consuming vegetables.  

Twenty youth, ages 9 through 14, participated in this all-day event.  The participants were divided into three groups alternating between hands-on activities and educational lessons. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant was able to educate the youth about various vegetables and encourage them to try new types of vegetables with a positive mindset, along with teaching them knife skills, where they practiced by preparing salsa. Information on knife safety and the recipe were sent home with the youth. The 4-H Agent instructed the participants on how to prepare a healthy snack, and the Horticulture Agent taught a lesson on container gardening and composting. Results from a post evaluation showed that 90% of the participants felt comfortable using a knife and 74% tried a new vegetable for the first time. The participants were eager to share their creations and knowledge gained with the other children and parents.   

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