Kentucky ranks 45^th in the nation in health disparities, sedentary lifestyle and in the top 10 for obesity.  That said, providing FCS educational programming to promote healthier families is essential to thriving families in KY and Morgan County.  

County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Education, along with Nutrition Education Program Assistant, diabetes coalition, early childhood council, local hospital, schools, farmers market, family and youth resource centers, health department and various other agencies collaborated on a variety of programs to assist families in gaining access to nutritious foods.     

A series of educational workshops including food preservation, sampling KY Proud recipes, Youth veggie bucks program, Sr. Citizens Food Pantry, Cooking Through the Calendar involving more than 5000 contacts annually gained skills in selection, preparation, storage and preserving locally grown foods and food products.  

Surveys along with pre and post tests indicated 90% of participants increased their knowledge of selecting fresh fruits and vegetables, methods of preparation and preservation and many trying a fruit or vegetable for the first time.  

Participants quoted they were going to purchase, prepare and serve more fruits and vegetables for their family.