The lack of understanding of the food we eat and where that food comes from creates a disconnect for the young people in our community.  One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person’s awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life. Oldham County 4-H and EFNEP program partnered with Highpoint Charitable Services to bring a gardening experience to 21 youth, 95% of which were of Hispanic ethnicity.  Sixty Herb Garden Kits were assembled and delivered to LaGrange Elementary for distribution in English as a second language classrooms.

The young people planted an individual herb garden, and learned about the uses for Cilantro, Dill, Fennel and Basil.  The youth learned how to care for their seeds and how to transplant the herb plants to larger containers.  Common uses of herbs in cooking were discussed and a collection of recipes were included in the take home packet.

Gardening is a valuable life skill required of everyone including young people.  Youth indicated they would care for their garden and utilize the herb in their family recipes.  Plans to organize a 4-H club are underway with Highpoint Charitable Services.  In addition, “Healthy Choices for Everybody” classes for adults, are scheduled to begin in the fall.