Louisville currently ranks 5th among its peer cities in food insecurity with 16.1% of residents experiencing food insecurity.  Additionally, Louisville ranks 2nd in rates of children who live in a household experiencing  food insecurity with a rate of 17%..  The Advancing Health Equity through Fight Food Insecurity project materialized as a result of a Grant from Verizon Wireless. The project intent was to expose the most vulnerable school-aged children in Louisville, KY to innovative food sustainability practices, healthy eating practices and gardening.

A meeting was held with staff from Greenwood Elementary where 66% are considered economically disadvantaged and receive free and reduced lunch.  Staff from Greenwood Elementary, Kentucky State University Family and Consumer Science Agent Ms. Jeanie Carte,  Turquoise Brown Kentucky State FNEP Program and Louis Milligan, 4-H Agent. The team discussed the program and plans for implementation at Greenwood Elementary for the school year. The program was implemented and 77 4th grade students participated 2 times Monthly. 

Lessons included discussions about healthy nutrition and eating habits including exposure to new healthier and activities that taught the students self reliance through sustainable food, container gardening, basic techniques on using seeds, including seeds from foods already produced to facilitate growth, creating healthy gardens and composting. The Project concluded with the students visiting the Harold Benson Demonstration Farm at Kentucky State University participating in various activities.

A evaluation was conducted at the end of the project and  91% students stated they felt of belonging participating in 4-H Programing. 94% stated they learned new gardening techniques and 98% stated they would participate in 4-H In the Future. The goal is to continue the program due to its great success next school year.