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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryStress Eating in Kentucky



Stress Eating in Kentucky

Author: Nan Montgomery

Planning Unit: Allen County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Plan of Work: Improve Physical and Mental Health

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

 Stress is something we have felt a lot of lately. Whether positive or negative, stress can take a toll on our eating habits. In fact, research shows the foods we eat and the emotions we feel are closely linked. The urge to stress eat is normal, but over time the comfort of our favorite foods wanes. Fortunately, there are a variety of tips and tricks people can apply to manage stress eating while still savoring favorite comfort foods. To support people in creating their personalized approach for managing stress eating, the Allen County Extension Office held a workshop in February 2025. The program focused on what stress eating is, reasons we stress eat, strategies for managing stress eating, and tips for enjoying comfort foods. Extension developed this program to normalize stress eating and provide people with knowledge, skills, and confidence to identify and manage stress eating in ways that work for them. The goal of this program is to increase knowledge about why stress makes it harder to make nutritious choices and strategies for managing stress eating. 25 people participated in the workshop. The workshop consisted of homemakers from various counties in southern Kentucky. Of those surveyed following the program, 92% stated they had a better understanding of reasons stress makes it harder to make nutritious choices. Additionally, 94% of participants said they had a better understanding of strategies to manage stress eating and 92% said they intend to apply those strategies during times of stress. Participants also indicated they better understood ways to mindfully enjoy comfort foods 94% and  92% intend to do so.






Stories by Nan Montgomery


Sparkling Skills: Homemakers Jewelry Making Class

Sparkling Skills: Homemakers Jewelry Making Class

about 15 hours ago by Nan Montgomery

When Mammoth Cave Area Family and Consumer Sciences Agents taught a jewelry-making class this summer... Read More


Sourdough Bread Workshop and Gut Health

Sourdough Bread Workshop and Gut Health

about 2 months ago by Nan Montgomery

Recent research shows that gut health plays a vital role in overall well-being, impacting not only d... Read More


Stories by Allen County CES


Sparkling Skills: Homemakers Jewelry Making Class

Sparkling Skills: Homemakers Jewelry Making Class

about 15 hours ago by Nan Montgomery

When Mammoth Cave Area Family and Consumer Sciences Agents taught a jewelry-making class this summer... Read More


Sourdough Bread Workshop and Gut Health

Sourdough Bread Workshop and Gut Health

about 2 months ago by Nan Montgomery

Recent research shows that gut health plays a vital role in overall well-being, impacting not only d... Read More


Stories by Nutrition and Food Systems General


Celebrating Cultural Connections: Embracing Heritage Through Food and Nutrition Education

Celebrating Cultural Connections: Embracing Heritage Through Food and Nutrition Education

yesterday by LaToya Drake

One-size-fits-all nutrition advice doesnt always capture the rich cultural traditions and meaningful... Read More


Teaching Neighbors, Strengthening Communities: The Power of KYNEP Storytelling

Teaching Neighbors, Strengthening Communities: The Power of KYNEP Storytelling

about 2 days ago by LaToya Drake

Across Kentucky, our Nutrition Education Program (KYNEP) educators are the “boots on the ground” emp... Read More