Describe the Issue or Situation

Children need daily fruits and vegetables to support healthy growth. Yet data from the 2021 National Survey of Children’s Health show that nearly 1 out of every 2 children aged 1- 5 years who live in Kentucky do not eat a fruit and/or vegetable every day.  

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The Power of Produce (POP) program is a fun opportunity for youth to engage in their local food systems through educational games, demonstrations and being able to directly interact with local farmers. It allows youth to be exposed to new fruits and vegetables; while participating in activities, POP Club youth receive vouchers to spend at the market, allowing them to gain the confidence in shopping for their own food. This program is a collaboration between the Bath County Extension office, Family Resource and Youth Center coordinators, local library, and Bath County Farmers market. This program is very well received by all partners involved, along with the youth who attend as well. 

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Participation in the Power of Produce program has fluctuated over the years but continue to stay steady. The year’s program numbers were down but still had 20 youth participants, with several new participants. 

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

The 20 participants who took part in the Power of Produce learned about the life cycle of a seed, how to start their own seeds, and the important role pollination plays in growing our food. They were exposed to different recipes, allowing them to expand their taste buds while experiencing different fruits and vegetables. The participants gained confidence in buying local food and learned about money management when deciding how to spend their vouchers. Many of the skills learned through these activities can have a life-long impact on these young people and their health. Hands on learning has always been a big part of the 4H program.