Based upon the US Census Bureau, over 75% of Breckinridge County’s population lives in the rural countryside and food access is limited with only three grocery stores, offering fresh produce and meats.  Convenience stores provide the closest opportunity to purchase food for many families, of which 1,243 households receive SNAP benefits. Specifically, 2,697 individuals receive SNAP (food stamps) and 2,800 individuals are food insecure in Breckinridge County.  

Thirty-nine percent of Breckinridge County adults are considered obese. With 11.2% diagnosed with diabetes. The limited accessibility of healthy food, limited resources and built environments that promote physical inactivity create challenges for families to make healthy food and physical activity choices.  To address this issue, the Breckinridge County Extension Service FCS program is intentional in providing learning opportunities for all ages to strengthen health and well-being.

During the 2024-25 program year, the FCS agent and NEP assistant partnered with local service providers, the school system, public library, KEHA members, health department, detention center, hospital, recovery centers and faith community to offer programs to teach and encourage good nutrition, food preparation/preservation, budgeting, physical activity and gardening.  At least 18 local partners were involved in the implementation of programs such as LEAP, Healthy Choices for Every Body and Recovering Bodies, Heath 4 Better Living, Diabetes Support group, Cooking Through the Calendar, Recovery Garden, MyPlate, Walk Your Way, and Wits Workout.  Special events such as the community baby shower, senior food box distribution, agricultural expo, community resource fair, autumn craft and foods workshop, Thanksgiving food-safety packet give away, alpha-gal webinar and recipe sampling are examples of programming in which FCS Extension staff presented educational materials to support healthy eating and physical activity.  

Over 800 individuals of all ages had the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning, received research-based publications and interacted with trained professionals to gain knowledge and increase skills to support healthy eating, meal planning, increased physical activity, budgeting and taking action to improve personal health.   Through observation, surveys and testimonials, it can be reported that participants tried new foods, shared new recipes at home with family members, increased activity, and improved their diabetes management skills. Also there continues to be an increased number of requests for food and nutrition programs from community partners and individuals.    

Through years of quality programming, fostering community development and serving the public with compassion and respect, the Breckinridge County Extension Service FCS program is a valued resource in providing support for strengthening families and the community.