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 farmers 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) to 21 participants.   The CCPC focused on the importance of shopping the local farmers markets, gardening, selecting and using small kitchen appliances, preparing recipes using fresh produce, and how to become more physically active.    Each class included a visit to the Highland Height’s Farmers Market, which is located on the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Office’s property.  Participants completed action plans, which included physical activity homework.  When action plans were completed, participants received $5.00 in “Farmers Market Bucks” each week.  

Sarah Stolz, Horticulture Agent, reviewed in season produce and home gardening management practices, showcased agronomic 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 lessons each time by utilizing research based information from the University of Kentucky’s Couch Potato Challenge, Get Moving Kentucky, Matter of Balance, and the Nourishing your Bones and Joints curricula.  Weekly, she also led physical activity by routing participants through the Campbell County Extension Service’s Educational Gardens and onto the Farmers Market. Kate also made a fitness video of herself demonstrating the Matter of Balance exercises 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’s Electric Pressure Cooker:  What Consumers Need to Know publication was used.  University of Kentucky’s 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 utilized from the farmers market and the Campbell County Extension Service’s Educational Gardens.  University of Kentucky’s 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 curricula were all utilized throughout the program.

Program evaluations from each of the classes and the end of the series evaluation showed that 85% of the participants could follow the decision making process when purchasing a small kitchen appliance.  Ninety percent stated that as a result of the appliances’ demonstrations that their knowledge of use increased about using the appliances.   One hundred percent of the participants stated that as a result of the program they are eating healthier foods, 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 farmers 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 Farmers Market.  Over the 6 week series, the voucher program (Farmers 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 given 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/