Situation

Harlan County has the third highest unemployment rate in Kentucky.  Thirty-seven percent of Harlan County residents live in poverty. 

Education Response

The Extension Service conducts programs to assist families who are challenged by the current economic situation.  The Nutrition Education Program Assistant conducted a series of programs at the Depot, an educational building located centrally in the city.  This facility is surrounded by many resources that aid in the fact that some participants can simply walk to the facility for the classes.  We have a low income high rise beside the Depot, along with Christ's Hands food pantry.  The location of this facility as well as myself targeting these audiences through flyer distribution, setting up a the local grocery store across the street has proved to be a successful location for my adult/family classes.  

Target Audience 

The audience has been limited resource people.  During the winter and spring, five dedicated women attended all the program in the series whether snow or bad weather.  

Partner or resources

The program included lessons from the "Every Day Nutrition."  Their favorite lesson was "Knowing Your Limits" when they could visually see the amount of sugar, fat and sodium in a variety of foods.  This lesson proved to be a huge reality check.  

Outcomes

After completing the program, all (100%) of the participants improved one or more areas of diet quality, increased physical activity and are using a meat thermometer to insure food safety.  80% of the participants improved food resource management by planning meals in advance, using a grocery list or other activities.  From this adult graduated group, four are joining my class #2 as volunteers!