September 28-29, 2022 Pumpkin Days was held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. Youth in Preschool, Headstart, Kindergarten and 1st Grades attended from multiple different counties where they rotated through educational stations, played games, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and were able to select their own pumpkin to take home. Different SNAP approved pumpkin recipes were made by numerous different SNAP-Ed Assistants, Program Assistants and Agents for the kids in attendance to try. Each group was greeted by Wally Cat and a photo was taken!
Youth in attendance were able to try new foods for the first time! Several positive comments were collected throughout the day from the kids! Youth were excited to get to make the recipes at home, thanks to a recipe booklet that was sent home with each child! First time hay ride and pumpkin patch exposures occurred for lots of our youth. This event provides positive learning experiences combined with a safe place to try new and exciting things.
Due to the abundance of generosity from those working in Extension, we were able to provide this day to 697 youth over the two days.
The Owsley County Cooperative Extension Service provided nutrition samples and explained the importance of tasting new foods with a challenge called the "Hello Bite". Seventy - five of the participants gave the new food a first time bite. The Hearty Heart Pump Up activity was a big hit as the kids learned the importance of staying activate.