Kentucky has a high obesity rate compared to other states. In 2023, 37.7% of adult Kentuckians were considered obese, ranking the state among the highest in the nation. 38.7 % of Metcalfe County families with children, live below the poverty level.  Female head of households with children is at 85.5%, and only 21% of adults consume the recommended servings of fruits & vegetables daily. Family farms are on the decline, less than 2% of the United States population contribute to the food systems and at least two generation from the family farm. (says the USDA) People are not aware of where their food comes from. Our future of agriculture and food production depends on the youth. Agriculture awareness for youth and our community is very important. “Learn By Doing” is a great way to get children excited about agriculture and create a better understanding of where our food comes from. 

The Metcalfe County Extension staff and Metcalfe County Family Resource teamed up for Metcalfe County Literacy Night.

The youth and families were able to learn how to grow healthy fruits and vegetables, and how to be more active. The Extension staff gave out mini greenhouse with microgreens. (Microgreens are vegetable greens harvested just after the cotyledon leaves have developed with one set of true leaves.)  The youth were able to harvest and eat them on a salad or straight off of the mat.

The ANR, 4-H agent and NEP Assistant educated the youth and adults on how to grow and harvest the microgreens.

We gave a total of 311 Mini Greenhouses to 4-Hers across the county.

Students and parents enjoyed learning how to grow microgreens on a seed mat.

Surveys were conducted: 

97% said they learned something about making healthy choices and fitness that night.

99% said they can now grow something in their window that is healthy for them.

99% said this was the first time they had tried Microgreens.

Parents sent pictures of youth with mini greenhouse and eating microgreens.  One parent added “This is a great opportunity for my child to grow something and he ate it!”  Another parent said “her child had ask if they can grow more garden items for her to try.”