This study seeks to teach seniors (55+) attending the Boyle County senior center, in Boyle County Kentucky how to grow thornless,

erect blackberry brambles and consume fresh blackberries using healthy recipes. UK Horticulture, nutrition, geriatric, and extension experts worked together to design a blackberry-growing program that engages seniors in every step of the process, from planting to harvesting and consuming. The program will be advertised to senior center participants and the community. However, data will only be collected from senior center attendees that consent to participate in the study.

This inter-generational, community-focused project will be accompanied by a series of extension lessons on how to plant and tend to the brambles and healthy ways to consume the fruits. The lessons will be delivered by extension agents, with accompanying extension publications and supplemental materials provided for replication in other counties. This program takes a whole-health approach by encouraging community engagement and gardening as a form of low-impact physical activity with mental health benefits, along with the consumption of a variety of fresh or preserved fruits and vegetables.

In 2017 and 2018 the FCS Agent visited the senior center to deliver lessons related to blackberry preparation, preservation, and nutrition. Many of the lessons discussed the health benefits associated with increased blackberry consumption. Samples of many different dishes involving blackberries were prepared and served to the participants. Some participants were excited to try blackberries in new ways. Most were used to using blackberries in desserts as opposed to grilled cheese sandwiches with basil or blackberry flatbread pizzas. All samples were well received.