According to the 2020 Kentucky Annual Economic Report, an estimated 16.9 percent of Kentucky households rank at or below poverty.  Added to this statistic, an overwhelmingly 14.7% experienced food insecurity. This correlates to Research by University of Kentucky economist James Ziliak stating “rates of food insecurity have remained persistently high following the Great Recession for Americans over 60”. The unprecedented Covid-19 Global Pandemic limited Butler County’s food availability and supply chain, thus further straining Butler County’s residents.  

The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant and the Butler County 4-H Youth Development Agent viewed the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to educate during a time of uncertainty. In response to food insecurity, and potential long lasting effects of slow economic downturns. The Butler County NEP and 4-H Youth Development Agent, in an effort to teach sustainability and self-sufficiency through gardening, distributed over 294 gardening, pepper and herb kits to the families of Butler County. Included in the kits were various peppers, and herbs, zucchini, squash,  and tomato seeds, soil pellets, gardening gloves, instructions to gardening, guide to shop farmers markets, and vegetable guides.  Gardening packets were picked up by the community outside the Extension Office.

The families of Butler County have shared their enthusiasm with the project by posting online their children planting the seeds. During a time of crisis, The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant and the Butler County 4-H Youth Development Agent, successfully implemented a gardening program.  The small success of children planting seeds, trying the vegetables they grow, and learning new ways to prepare them will hopefully inspire a desire to plant and learn more about gardening. Thus, combating food insecurity in Butler County.