Lewis County ranks fourth among all Kentucky counties for obesity rates with 41.6% of the population currently being overweight or obese and 18.5% of the population experiencing food insecurity. Adding to this problem, 27.0% of individuals in this area are impoverished and when money is short, unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices follow, and the vicious cycle of weight gain continues on.

                In an effort to promote shopping local and eating healthy, Plate it Up Kentucky Proud was founded as a partnership project between the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the University of Kentucky School Of Human Environmental Sciences. This project provides healthy, great tasting recipes using Kentucky Proud products for the people of Kentucky. Over time these locally produced recipes would keep money in counties all while helping individuals make healthier choices in their diet.

                These changes have been very apparent at the local IGA in Tollesboro, KY. Ever since the Lewis County Extension Office began promoting Plate it Up! Kentucky Proud in stores the IGA has completely bought into the idea behind the program. Starting in 2015, the store has been selling various recipes most notably including the cheesy broccoli potatoes, pumpkin apple muffins and broccoli beef stir fry. “We love supporting our local extension office and are always willing to try and expand our options at the deli” said the stores head deli worker. “A lot of our customers are excited by the variety and they will often ask why we don’t have certain recipes all the time! They sell extremely well and we can barely keep the recipe cards in stock”.

                According to records since 2015, the store has served approximately 1600 servings of various Plate it Up! Kentucky Proud recipes, netting about $2000 in profit. Not only are the recipes in high demand, but residents of Lewis County are also inadvertently making wiser choices for their diet and keeping their money local. Overtime these healthier choices will allow individuals to save calories without compromising the flavor of their food, ultimately promoting weight loss and hopes of a lower obesity rate in the future.