Describe the Issue or Situation.

County residents need better, practical access to healthy choices, food prep and fresh vegetables. In urban areas, residents are distanced from the source of their food, how that food is processed and what goes into making it palatable.  

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

The Bullitt County Extension agent for Horticulture, the Horticulture Program Assistant and 3 Master Gardener Volunteers collaborated to present the program.  Participants in this program learned about how to grow a themed salsa garden, plant selection, care and maintenance techniques and harvesting.  They learned about the different types of salsa, how to prep the ingredients and how to adjust recipes depending on their individual tastes and dietary needs. At the end of the program, participants got to prepare their own individual bowls of salsa fresca by combining precut ingredients at a "Salsa Bar".  

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

The target audience for this program included residents of Bullitt and surrounding counties that have an interest in gardening, cooking or food preperation.  29 people attended the program.

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.

Participants reported that they learned a lot about gardening and appreciated the advice from experienced Master Gardeners and professionals.  In a post class survery, 49% reported that they will plant their gardens next season differently based on what they learned in class. 87% reported that they would make salsa at home using the recipes we provided.  53% reported that they would reduce or change the amount of pesticides they use in their gardens and 28% said they would consider planting a salsa themed garden next season.