This was a very unusual and unique collaboration. This program came about from listening to clients of extension programs with disabilities which had been precluded from more programs for a variety of reasons. Lack of transportation or limited access to buildings downtown, and not able to get transportation to the extension office. The big issue was wheelchair access was paramount. However these clients were still determined to have equal access to our programs. Some had attended our Garden program we partnered with the Lake Cumberland Community Action office which is our regular program for garden vouchers given out by that office however their office is in the court house basement no wheelchair access.

 I am the Cumberland County Extension Nutrition Education Program Assistant and some of these clients pleaded with us .to hold programs somewhere near the low- income public housing and adult day care center. After much thought I decided to ask the Cumberland County Conservation office staff if they would let us partner with them in providing joint classes The soil conservation office ran classes like composting, pollinator gardens, and water saving gardens.

We commenced the Garden to Plate program in May and had classes through to September. This was in line with the farmers’ market season in the county. 15 people showed an interest but 9 of these completed the program of classes we encouraged healthy eating, using locally grown produce and taught how to supplement the commodities by growing their own food. We used the pre and post surveys and Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum .We also incorporated the University of Kentucky USDA Farmers Market shoppers guide/cookbook, which the soil conservation office used to help with classes on the produce gardening, planting seasons, harvesting and we did incorporate the preparation, cooking recipes from the cookbook as well as the healthy Choices for everybody curriculum and much more.

Data from the post surveys showed:

All the group (9) improved in at least one food group 100%

Activity levels improved 33%

Healthy Eating index improved from poor to needs improvement 44.5%

Total cost savings within the group were $25.00

Average cost savings $2.80

From this start we are now going forward with a Community Garden Grant at the Soil Conservation office. Stay tuned for the next installment.