Extension FCS Centennial-Promotional Media Script
August 2014—Focus Content Area: Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud
Extension celebrates 100 years of healthy recipes
Source: Janet Johnson, Allen County extension agent for family and consumer sciences
A century ago, World War I ushered in many modern developments, including an emphasis on healthier diets for Americans. To help families learn how to eat healthier, the federal government appropriated emergency funds to hire county home demonstration agents. The agents were charged to help improve people’s eating habits and suggest substitutes for scarce foods. Home demonstration agents encouraged American families to garden and eat more fresh foods to support war efforts. When funding was withdrawn after the war, local communities rallied to provide funds to continue local home demonstration work.
In 2014, the Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud recipe development project continues historic traditionsof encouraging consumption of locally grown fruits and vegetables. University of Kentucky county extension agents for family and consumer sciences and UK dietetics and human nutrition students annually research and modify traditional recipe favorites, creating a healthier, easier version without compromising flavor. These recipes create an awareness of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Kentucky Proud brand as an indicator of fresh, flavorful locally grown produce for the best value. Recipe cards for specific fruits and vegetablesare available at your county extension office or you can find recipes online at Newrecipes are available each spring, summer, fall and winterand feature seasonal garden produce.
New recipes for this summer include glazed cantaloupe bread, corn and sweet potato confetti salad, and Italian chicken and summer squash skillet. Pair one of these dishes with other Kentucky Proud foods for your next summertime supper.(AGENTS: INSERT A RECIPE OR INFORMATION ON LOCAL SAMPLING EVENTS HERE.)
You can also learn more about the Plate It Up!Kentucky Proud recipe project at the Kentucky State Fair. Visit the FCS Extension booth in the South Wing’s Main Street area and view recipe demonstrations by county extension agents on the Kentucky Beef Council’s Gourmet Garden Demonstration Stage.
The Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud recipe project is a partnership between the UK Cooperative Extension Service, UK School of Human Environmental Sciences, UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Contact (AGENT NAME), your county extension agent for family and consumer sciences at (PHONE NUMBER) for more information regarding healthy family meals.
Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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