Author: Angela Freeman
Planning Unit: Taylor County CES
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Outcome: Initial Outcome
According to the 2021 Census Reporter (censusreporter.org), Taylor County's median income was $27,010, which is 125% base of 2021 HHA Poverty Guidelines for a family of 3. 14.8% of the population lived below the poverty line, with 19% of children living in poverty. (HHS Poverty Guidelines from https://aspe.hhs.gov/2021-poverty-guidelines#guidelines)
A number of community agencies work together in Taylor County to meet the needs of the community, including the Taylor County Early Childhood Collaborative. The Nutrition Education Assistant and Taylor County Cooperative Extension host monthly meetings for the collaborative, as well as special outreach events for the community.
November 12, 2022 was the community's first Baby Palooza held at the Extension Office. Held in conjunction with Taylor Regional Hospital in lieu of their baby fair, educational offerings and community agency booths were available for the morning. The first half of the group heard speakers ranging from Kentucky State Police on child safety seats to a local obstetrician from the hospital. The remainder of participants toured the conference center to talk to community partners about their services for expectant and new parents. At the midpoint, the groups switched so everyone had the chance to experience all events. The Nutrition Education Assistant provided pregnancy information and calendars, plus recipes for healthy eating to parents. Door prizes for all were given at the end, donated by businesses and the collaborative. 82 participants visited the Assistant’s table.
The annual Preschool Palooza was held on March 18, 2023 at the Extension Office, the first since Covid. The original event was held in 2018 at Taylor County Public Library, and was moved to the Extension Office in 2019, with the 2020 Palooza being the last community event there just before Covid closings. The Palooza was organized much like the Baby Palooza, with half the group attending a group activity while the remainder visited vendor booths with community partners and played games. The group activity was music and movement for preschoolers. The Nutrition Education Assistant provided recipes and educational information for parents with a Spin to Win game for preschoolers using animal movements for activity. The collaborative again provided door prizes that included bikes, helmets and scooters for children. 101 adults and children visited the Assistant's table.
The Early Childhood Collaborative provides equipment and supplies to preschools and day care centers, plus providing education for teachers. The Nutrition Education Assistant serves on this collaborative in an effort to reach parents of children in need and make available services and education for healthy families.
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