Describe the Issue or Situation
Access to fresh produce and nutrition education can be a challenge for families in rural and underserved areas of Montgomery County. While the Power of Produce (POP Club) at the local farmers market has been successful in teaching kids about healthy eating, not all families have the transportation or time to attend market events. In order to expand access and engagement, a new approach was needed to meet families where they are—right in their own communities.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable)
In response, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Sciences Program, in partnership with the Montgomery County Health Department, launched the POP Club Mobile Edition. With the help of the Health Department's mobile unit, the POP Club team took their show on the road, making stops at Doe Run Apartments and Jeffersonville Park to reach youth and families directly in their neighborhoods.

With support from Kroger and the generous efforts of TJ and Mindy Jo, fresh produce was secured to fill take-home bags. Kids participated in an interactive food demonstration featuring the Plate It Up Kentucky Proud recipe: Corn & Sweet Potato Confetti Salad. Each child received a kid-friendly chef’s knife and a bag of produce to recreate the recipe with their families at home.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience
A total of 56 individuals participated in the Mobile POP Club program, including youth ages 2–18 and their caregivers. Participants represented families living in apartment complexes and rural communities with limited access to local farmers markets or transportation. Many were engaged by local partners and FRYSC coordinators to attend the event, and younger siblings participated alongside school-age children to encourage family-wide involvement.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact
Evaluation feedback and informal interviews with caregivers demonstrated a meaningful impact:

• 100% of participating children sampled the featured recipe, and 85% said they enjoyed it.

• 93% of parents/caregivers reported that their child was excited to cook at home after receiving the produce bag and knife.

• 71% of families stated they had not tried sweet potatoes in a cold salad before, and many said they planned to try the recipe again.

• FRYSC and site partners noted increased enthusiasm for healthy food and requested future visits from the Mobile POP Club.

Long-Term Impact on Family Resource Management:
In addition to immediate engagement, families reported that the recipe and produce bags gave them practical tools to stretch their food budgets while introducing new, nutritious ingredients at home. Parents appreciated learning ways to prepare low-cost meals using seasonal produce, which supports long-term goals of food security, meal planning, and reducing waste. The program strengthened family resource management skills by encouraging intentional grocery shopping, involving children in meal prep, and promoting healthy home cooking habits.

By bringing the program into the heart of local neighborhoods, the POP Club Mobile Edition successfully removed access barriers, encouraged family engagement in healthy eating, and supported the development of sustainable, cost-effective food habits for Montgomery County families. Plans are in development to expand the mobile program to additional sites throughout the summer.