Gardening | Kentucky Nutrition Education Program

Blog

Holiday Ham Safety

Ham is available in many variations which makes it a popular meat to serve at holiday gatherings. If you are in the market to purchase a ham, you might see terms such as fresh, canned, cook before eating, fully cooked, smoked, and country written on the package. With all of these terms, it can be […]


Make Halloween Safe and Sweet (without using too much sugar!)

Halloween is just around the corner and children will be transformed into princesses, cowboys, superheroes and an assortment of other characters. Door bells will ring and sweet voices will yell, “trick or treat,” as tossed candy echoes off plastic pumpkins.  While Halloween is a joyous occasion for most children, it can be a point of […]


Families in the Kitchen: Cooking, Learning, and Bonding Together

Cooking is not just about preparing food; it’s an opportunity for families to come together, learn, and enjoy nutritious meals. The “Families in the Kitchen…Cook Together, Eat Together” program and book, developed by the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) at the University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Service, aims to make this experience accessible and enjoyable for […]


Freezing Eggs Safely

With the ever-changing price of eggs, many people are buying in bulk and looking for ways to preserve them. While you cannot freeze eggs in the shell – they will crack ― there are ways to safely freeze eggs.  Follow these simple steps for the best quality. For whole eggs, crack into a bowl and […]


Family Mealtime: A Tasty Base for Healthy Youth Development

Between work, running errands, and after-school activities, meals on the go have become a staple for many American families. You may not realize taking those few extra moments to sit down for a meal with your family fills more than just your stomach. Sitting down for a family meal is one of the easiest proven […]


Pawpaws in Kentucky!

Pawpaw trees can be found growing in thickets along the Eastern United States from New York to Florida.  This includes Kentucky.  You might even have some pawpaw trees growing on your property – they are common along riverbanks.  The tree has a slightly tropical appearance and produces a fruit, pictured below, that can grow up […]


Back-to-School Breakfast Ideas

We often hear breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But why? Children who eat breakfast do better on tasks that require attention and higher-level brain functions. This means children who eat breakfast focus and concentrate better and have fewer behavior problems. They also have higher school attendance, fewer hunger-induced stomach aches, and better muscle […]


6 Tips for a Nutritious Breakfast

  Eating breakfast in the morning gives us the energy we need to start our day. Make a nutritious breakfast a priority by including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein sources, such as egg, lean meat, low-fat dairy, nuts, and seeds, for a balanced meal that will fill you up in the morning. […]


Be Ready for an Emergency!

Even with the best alert systems in place, there is often little to no warning when severe weather or natural disasters strike. The best time to prepare is now.  Plan ahead for wind, rain, ice, or snow in case you need to survive on your own for a few days. Every household should have an […]


Enjoy Fresh and Healthy Blackberries: A Nutritious Treat for Everyone!

Blackberries are a delightful and tasty gift from nature, filled with vibrant colors and bursting flavors. From June to October, these juicy fruits grace our tables, bringing a range of health benefits. Blackberries are a delicious treat worth exploring, packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. In this article, we’ll dive into the nutritional value […]


Home Canning Tips : Food Preservation Basics

Now is a great time to start canning.  You can preserve some of your own fruits and vegetables or take advantage of the bounty of locally grown fruits and vegetables at your county’s farmers market.  Home canning can save money, provide gifts for family and friends and leave you with feelings of great accomplishment.  For […]


Kentucky has lots of opportunities for shopping at farmers’ markets

Kentucky has over 160 farmers’ markets across the state. These markets span across 110 of our 120 counties. There are nearly 2,700 vendors who sell at these markets, direct from farm to shopper. These vendors are the backbone of Kentucky’s local food system. There are many reasons to shop at a Kentucky farmers’ market. Buying […]