In Kentucky, promoting local food consumption and enhancing nutrition education are crucial for fostering healthier communities and supporting local farmers. The Plate It Up Kentucky Proud (PIUKP) project addresses the need to increase awareness and consumption of local and seasonal foods. This initiative is a priority for the community as it contributes to better health outcomes, supports the local economy, and strengthens community ties by encouraging residents to buy locally-produced foods.

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the University of Kentucky School of Human Environmental Sciences, developed the PIUKP project. This program employs multiple educational efforts to introduce individuals to locally-grown seasonal foods, including programs and presentations; recipe demonstrations and samplings (during programs and at farmers’ markets across the state); publications and electronic outputs; and teaching materials and recipe cards. 

Among a multitude of efforts, the PIUKP project features a monthly television segment airing on NCTC Television presented in partnership with the Allen County Extension Service (hosted by KYNEP Extension Specialist, LaToya Drake) and shared on the station's YouTube channel, highlighting PIUKP recipes featured on KYNEP’s website, PlanEatMove.com using Kentucky Proud products. These segments educate viewers on selecting, storing, and preparing local produce while emphasizing nutrition and cooking techniques; they also encourage local and seasonal eating on a budget including promoting benefit use like EBT at local farmers’ markets. The project's educational content is disseminated through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, reaching a broader audience with infographics, videos, and other resources.

The target audience for the PIUKP project includes residents of Kentucky, particularly those interested in local, seasonal, and Kentucky Proud products. The program aims to engage home gardeners, local economy supporters, and individuals seeking information on food selection, storage, and preparation. Each monthly NCTC television segment reaches thousands of homes in the Allen County area and Northern Tennessee, while the project's social media pages engage thousands more online.

The success of the PIUKP project is bolstered by collaborations with various partners, including the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, which provides educational resources and expertise; the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which supports local food promotion; the University of Kentucky School of Human Environmental Sciences, which contributes nutritional education; and NCTC Television and other media outlets, which broadcasts PIUKP segments. Extension offices across Kentucky also play a vital role in facilitating community engagement and recipe distribution. These partnerships enable the project to maximize resources, reach target audiences effectively, and measure impact through various channels.

The PIUKP project has demonstrated significant outcomes and impact, including increased knowledge of local and seasonal food consumption and improved cooking skills among participants. NCTC segment viewers frequently request recipes and additional information from the Allen County Extension Office, indicating strong engagement and interest. Additional outcomes include the adoption of healthier eating practices and increased purchases of local produce, with social media engagement showing that the audience is applying the knowledge gained from the program. The long-term impact encompasses broader social, economic, environmental, and civic benefits for the community. By promoting local food consumption, the PIUKP project supports the local economy, reduces the environmental impact of food transportation, and fosters a sense of community.

In conclusion, the Plate It Up Kentucky Proud project continues to successfully address the community's need for nutrition education and local agriculture promotion. Through televised segments, social media outreach, and strong partnerships, the program educates and engages Kentucky residents, promoting healthier eating habits and supporting local farmers.