According to the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky, (CEDIK), the percentage of adults in Breathitt County who are obese is 39.8% with the state average being 32.9%. Research shows that eating fresh vegetables and exercising can reduce obesity rates. Gardening increases both physical activity, as well as, access to fresh vegetables. 

As a way to combat obesity rates, Breathitt County Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent Reed Graham conducted a gardening program for 2019 entitled “Breathitt County Family Gardening.” Breathitt county families were taught the basic principles of gardening through seven educational classes. Agent Graham partnered with the UK Research Station at Quicksand to present classes such as: Planning your garden, Produce Best Practice Training, Pest identification, and Food preservation. Participants were offered additional assistance such as: tilling, seeds, and plants. Site visits were conducted and tools were available to those who were in need throughout the program. Extension staff and agents hosted a potluck dinner at the ending ceremony and were able to showcase some SNAP approved recipes. Participants were also able to showcase items grown during the season as well as family recipes.

100% of participants surveyed indicated that information gained in the program will give them the ability to improve their overall health/wellness. Participants stated, “We had no idea what our gardens needed to be productive until we soil tested and attended the educational classes.” 100% of surveyed participants also indicated they intend to increase food preservation, thus continuing healthy eating practices well into the future.

Programs such as the “Breathitt County Family Gardening Program” are an important tool to combat the growing obesity rates because they allow participants to learn the importance of growing and consuming fresh vegetables, and also allow participants to take part in daily physical activity.