The Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (KSUCEP) provide low-income families in Kentucky with hands-on nutrition education to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related health challenges. Through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) grant we serve families in Jefferson, Fayette and Franklin County. EFNEP programing in these counties has shown great strides in helping families to gain knowledge on nutrition topics such as meal planning and food safety techniques to educate and change food pattern behaviors. Many families consume processed, high sodium and high calorie nutrient dense foods that increase the chances of health related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

During the 2019 EFNEP reporting year two hundred and thirty seven families were enrolled in our program. In Key Improvement indicators among the seventy six participants who completed a Pre and Post 24 hour food recall: 89% (68 of 76) showed improvement in Diet quality which shows an increase in consumption in healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. In Physical activity 61% (46 of 76) showed improvement in exercising for at least 30 minutes, doing workouts to build and strengthen muscles, or making small changes to be more active. In Food safety practices 71% (54 of 76) showed improvement by washing hands before preparing food, washing all items and surfaces after cutting raw meat or seafood, not thawing frozen food at room temperature, or using a meat thermometer. In Food Resource management 67% (51 of 76) answered questions on the survey that reflected them cooking dinner at home, compare food prices, plan meals before shopping, look in refrigerator or cupboard before shopping, or make a list before shopping.

KYSU currently collaborates and provided nutrition education programs in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, food banks, public housing authorities, and community centers, Farmers Markets. Overall through KSUCEP we continually gear our nutrition programming to aide in the development of life skills associated with cooking practices that will aide in families ability to live healthier lives.