Nutrition education is a program responsibility of all Kentucky Extension agents.  For many ANR agents the bulk of their SNAP efforts are done through organized farmers’ markets.  But since dozens of retail produce growers sell directly off the farm here, there is no farmers market to work with in Todd County.  Therefore, I utilize other avenues to conduct nutrition education activities. 

     I have container vegetable gardens set up at the Todd County Housing Authority’s Pennyrile Village apartments and at the Todd County Senior Citizens Center.  Repurposed 18-gallon cattle protein lick tubs are used as the containers.  At both locations, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, and cabbage were chosen as the crops for this year.  These crops were chosen because they do well in tubs, and because the tomatoes, broccoli, and peppers will be productive over an extended time.  This allows more people to share in the produce.  

     At Pennyrile Village, the tubs are set up in a central area close to the mailboxes, making it convenient for residents to follow the progress of the plants and to gather some of the vegetables.  Residents assisted with planting the containers and with keeping them watered.  Approximately 25 Pennyrile adult residents gathered and/or used produce grown in the containers.  About a dozen seniors have utilized produce from the Senior Citizens’ garden location.  They appreciate the freshness of the “home grown” produce and say that it has more flavor than the broccoli and cabbage that they buy in the grocery store.   

     At Pennyrile Village, we also established a traditional in-ground garden specifically for the children to work in.  Two adult residents oversaw that garden and worked with the children each week to weed the garden and gather the produce that was ready to harvest.  This garden included several other types of vegetables, in addition to the ones we grew in containers. 

     As a result of this activity, approximately 45 individuals have been encouraged to eat healthy, nutritious vegetables by taking ownership in its production and harvest.  Also, individuals with limited incomes or transportation capabilities have a close, convenient, and free means of improving their eating habits and health.