Author: Caroline Durr
Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Plan of Work: Accessing healthy foods & improving local food systems
Outcome: Initial Outcome
According to the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, only 6.3% of Kentuckians surveyed were consuming the recommended amount of vegetables per day and only 8% were consuming the recommended amount of fruit per day. Additionally, the 2017 State of Obesity report found that Kentucky ranked seventh in obesity in the nation, with 34% of the state’s population considered to be obese. Because of this, nutrition education, information and resources are extremely important to improving the health of Kentuckians. WTVQ’s Good Day Kentucky morning show reaches an estimated 6,950 viewers daily. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program partnered with the news station to provide educational segments on the morning show to promote healthy lifestyle choices. In the 2017-2018 program year, two segments were provided on the benefits of incorporating local, seasonal produce in summer meals, emphasizing the nutritional benefits of increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as the economic benefit to Kentucky farmers and communities. Plate it Up Kentucky Proud recipes were shared and viewers were directed to contact their local cooperative extension service for further resources. Another segment focused on maintaining healthy eating habits through the holiday season, emphasizing fruit and vegetable consumption as well as physical activity. Through these segments, a large number of Kentuckians were reached with information and resources vital to improving their health and lifestyles.
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