Extension Professional: Holbert, Patricia D

Title: Youth Facility Garden Project

Outcome Type: Long Term

Life Connection is a residential facility located in LaRue County that is home to 40 boys, ages 10 -18, who are wards of the state. This year the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant along with the County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent assisted the boys with a garden project. They met twice a month with the youth during the growing season. 75% of the boys had never planted a garden before. Gardening skills that were taught to the youth included preparation of the ground, planting, weeding and harvesting.

Green beans, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, watermelons and pumpkins, were grown and cared for by the youth. Upon harvest, the EFNEP assistant showed the residents how to prepare the produce for consumption, which increased knowledge of food safety for all. The harvested vegetables were also prepared and served by the facility staff to the residents. As a result, the boys increased the variety and amount of fresh vegetables they consume through the growing season.