According to the CDC, “Obesity is a serious concern because it is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and the leading causes of death in the U.S. and worldwide, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.”With a population of 92,488, Campbell County’s obesity rate is 31% and physical activity rate is 24%. (US Census Bureau)  “Good nutrition, physical activity, and a healthy body weight are essential parts of a person’s overall health and well-being. Together, these can help decrease a person’s risk of developing serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. A healthful diet, regular physical activity, and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight also are paramount to managing health conditions so they do not worsen over time.” (HealthyPeople.gov)   “Getting people in the community connected to their local farmer’s market promotes the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables which are full of flavor, antioxidants and phytochemicals that align with the My Plate guidelines, and supports local farmers and the economy.” (Nutrition.gov)  Understanding where your food comes from, the importance of activity and choosing and preparing healthy foods while making the best economic decisions can be overwhelming for individuals and families.   

The Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service Horticulture and Family & Consumer Sciences Program areas along with the Campbell County District Board and the Campbell County Farmers Market conducted a 6 part series called the Culinary Couch Potato Challenge (CCPC).  The CCPC focused on the importance of shopping the local farmer’s markets, gardening, selecting and using small kitchen appliances, preparing recipes using fresh produce, and how to become more physically active.    

Each class was conducted on the same day as one of the Highland Height’s Farmer’s Market which is located on the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Office’s property.  Each class included a visit to the market.  Participants completed action plans which included physical activity homework.  When action plans were completed, participants received $5.00 in “Farmer’s Market Bucks”  

Sarah Stolz, Horticulture Agent, reviewed in season produce and home gardening management practices, showcased agronomics garden tools and taught soil management.  University of Kentucky publication ID-128 and other Cooperative Extension Service publications were given to each participant to take home and study.

Kate Thompson, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, taught physical activity from the University of Kentucky Couch Potato Challenge and Nourishing Our Bones curricula and led physical activity exercises by routing participants through the Campbell County Extension Service’s Educational Gardens and onto the Farmer’s Market.  Kate also provided a chair exercises’ video for participants with limited mobility.

Ronda Rex, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, demonstrated how to utilize multiple small appliances such as blenders, food processors, air fryers and indoor grills when preparing fruits and vegetables.  Ronda invited Diane Mason, Boone County Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, to demonstrate electric multi-cookers.  University of Kentucky Electric Pressure Cooker:  What Consumers Need to Know publication was used.  University of Kentucky Plate It Up Kentucky Proud and Nutrition Education Program recipes were demonstrated and sampled by participants.  Fruits, vegetables and other products (melons, eggplant greens for salads, okra, root vegetables and asparagus were from the farmer’s market and the Campbell County Extension Service’s Educational Gardens were utilized.  University of Kentucky Small Electric Appliances Guide, Food Safety and Food Preservation publications were used in the program.   Super Star Chef, Super Star Chef Goes to Farmer’s Market, Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices, Taking Ownership of Your Diabetes, Champion Food Volunteer and Got Vegetables Programs’ curricula were all utilized throughout the Program.

End of each class and end of program evaluations showed that 85% of the 25 participants could follow the decision making process when purchasing a small kitchen appliance.  Ninety percent stated that as result of the appliances’ demonstrations, their knowledge of use increase about using the appliances that were demonstrated.  One hundred percent of the participants stated that as a result of the program, they are eating healthier foods by, are more physically active, and are more knowledgeable about bones and joints.  These participants reported that the program was changing their lifestyles because they were moving more, using the recipes demonstrated in the program, gaining more awareness of and visiting the farmer’s market, and altering recipes.  

Over the span of the program, twenty-one participants logged 3,978,177 activity steps as an accumulative total.  Sixty-two percent of the participants stated that they were extremely likely to continue to purchase from the Campbell County’s Farmer’s Market.  Over the 6 week series, the voucher program (Farmer’s Market Bucks) generated $630 in additional income for the participants, with the participants purchasing additional items which has opened the door for new market users and gave participants a new perspective of the benefits of shopping local and supporting farmers. 

One participant stated, “ I enjoyed learning about how to use all the different appliances and information about how to choose one, or if you need it.”  Another stated, “I am more aware of my walking/steps and more critical about the healthiness of my recipes. Fresher food from the farmers market is just better.”

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes.html

https://www.census.gov/

https://www.healthypeople.gov/

https://www.nutrition.gov/