For More Information, Please Contact us at:Perry County Extension Office • (606) 436-2044 • CES-PERRY@LSV.UKY.EDU

933 Perry Park Rd., Hazard, KY 41701

REPORT TO THE PEOPLE

Perry County 2020

DID YOU KNOW... Perry County Homemakers and other volunteers made nearly 1800 face coverings

JUST A FEW OF OUR PROGRAMS

Website: perry.ca.uky.edu

4-H Natural Resource Programs

Family & ConsumerSciences

Nutrition EducationProgram

Agriculture & NaturalResources

The economy of eastern Kentucky is seeking to diversify from its historically coal-producing industry. It is Kentucky’s privately-owned forests that provide the majority of the timber processed into many useful products used not only locally but worldwide. Perry County is in the heart of the basically deciduous forest that account for the 684 million board feet of hardwood logs that were harvested in 2019. This industry had total employment of 54,266 and total economic contribution of $13.3 billion. To establish an appreciation of this renewable resource to future landowners and labor force, the 4-H program has included forestry education in the county program for over 35 years. Due to covid, the annual 4-H Forestry program couldn’t be conducted in-person at the Perry County Park 4-H Tree Walk. But, one school requested a virtual program. Joining 92 seventh graders through their school’s Google Classroom, the 4-H agent presented materials covering tree anatomy, tree identification aspects, value of the forestry industry and career opportunities.

Example of 4-H tree project.

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCESThe Perry County Farmer’s Market just completed its 16th season at a new location on Main Street. The pavilion was made possible by funds from the Governor’s Office, administered by the Perry County Agricultural Development Council. Matching funds were obtained through a USDA Rural Development Grant. The market manager reported that the new pavilion made it much easier to comply with COVID protocols. Even though overall sales were down from last year, vendor take home money was up from last year by 51%. Purchases made by customers was up 46% from last year. Final accounting showed total 2020 sales of nearly $50,000.

The Perry County Extension Office is heavily involved in the market. The County Extension Agent for Agricultural and Natural Resources conducted Produce Best Practices Trainings, provided production training to vegetable producers and made farm visits. The SNAP-Ed assistant conducted food demonstrations and provided recipes while the FCS agent hosted HBM Training for vendors.

Number of participants engaged in commercial horticulture programming

Number of participants gaining access to Extension programming at farmer’s markets

Number of youth who have gained an understanding of ecosystems in Kentucky80

62 Number of youth who have shared their science related project with others

Perry County Farmers Market

14

100

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

NUTRITION EDUCATION

Homemaker members, Extension staff and volunteers came together to sew face coverings for the community when the pandemic started. The District Health Department requested face masks for use in nursing homes, local health departments, first responders and others who were working closely with the public.Using fabrics that had been donated to the Extension Office, the FCS agent followed CDC guidelines by washing the fabrics prior to making face masks. Volunteers and homemakers picked up fabric and kits to make face masks at home from the instructions given by the District Health Department. Face coverings were donated to the District Health Department, UK Children’s hospital and the local school system.

Grab-n- Go bags containing six kits were given out to families so parents would have cloth face masks ready for their children returning to school. The total number of face coverings made and donated by homemakers and volunteers was approximately 1800.

Individuals increased knowledge and skills in accessing nutritious foods, food preparation, food preparation, and food safety.

4845

269 individuals reported an improved lifestyle due to proper diet, nutrition and exercise.

Face coverings for kids

Due to the pandemic, nutrition information had to be delivered differently. The FCS agent and SNAP-Ed assistant worked with community agencies to prepare materials appropriate for the audience. The health department held a drive-thru health fair; the WIC office prepared a monthly mail-out to their families and invited Extension to include information which reached over 900 bi-weekly; the food pantries appreciated information on food safety, storage, preparation, and recipes for items included in food boxes. Food pantries provided food and recipes to over 500 individuals each month. A drive thru event for 200 grandparents included both nutrition information and parenting information. Nutrition information was included in the school lunches delivered to students.

Due to these efforts, Extension has reached over 14000 contacts. Extension has received calls from new clientele requesting information on gardening, food preservation, and preparation and other information provided by the Extension Office.

Families that grew a garden to help supplement their food budget25

4000 Dollars in EBT, WIC or Senior benefits redeemed at farmers markets

Nutrition Education Program inclusions for food boxes

Healthy Families. Healthy Homes. Healthy Communities.

NOTHING IS OUT OF REACH.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender

expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

• 37,770 Kentucky youth applied the skills they learned in 4-H to home, school, or community.

• 5,510 Kentucky producers implemented sustainable practices they learned through Extension programs.

• 6,121 Kentucky families grew a garden using Extension resources

• 2,544 Kentucky beekeepers incorporated best practices recommended by Extension.

• 17,504 Kentuckians reported improved lifestyles through a focus on proper nutrition, disease and injury reduction and comprehensive health maintenance.

... just a few ways Extension supports Kentucky

Facebook: @UKCooperativeExtension

Twitter: @UKExtension

Website: extension.ca.uky.edu

University of Kentucky Cooperative ExtensionS-107 Ag Science Center NorthLexington, Kentucky 40546-0091(859) 257-4302

YouTube: @UKAgriculture