Success StoryCook Wild Garrard County



Cook Wild Garrard County

Author: Kayla Lunsford

Planning Unit: Garrard County CES

Major Program: Cook Wild Kentucky

Plan of Work: Healthy Lifestyle and Life Skill Education

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Food insecurity is a terrible reality that many Americans face. Sadly, Kentucky has even higher rates than the national average.  According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 Kentuckians face hunger. One way to address this issue is to utilize natural resources our state is already abundant with. That is where Cook Wild Kentucky comes into play. At the Garrard County Extension Office, a collaborative program was planned and implemented by the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent and the Nutrition Education Program Assistant, with support from the entire office staff.  “Cook Wild Garrard County” took place in February 2023 with the goal of educating the community on cooking wild game recipes, proper wild game processing techniques, and food safety. 76 people were in attendance, with 58 of those being male, a traditionally underserved audience in FCS programs. Participants had the opportunity to sample 5 different UK Cook Wild recipes, and the educational portion included a lecture by UK Meat Specialist, Dr. Gregg Rentfrow. The program also included information from a local certified processor, Yoder’s Processing. Out of 63 surveyed participants, 98% reported increased knowledge in food safety, 97% reported increased knowledge in proper processing techniques, and 100% reported trying a new food at the program.  Rave reviews were given by many after the program, and plans for next year are already in the works! We are excited that our community was able to become more informed on how to utilize wild game safely and efficiently .






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