Cooperative Extension reports growth in Onslow County programming; highlights youth, nutrition and farming work

Jessica Gardner, director of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Onslow County, presented the office’s 2024 “report to the people” at the June 2, 2025, Onslow County Board of Commissioners meeting, summarizing outreach, youth programming and agricultural extension services.

Gardner said the extension operates in three major program areas — agriculture, food and nutrition, and 4‑H youth development — and described more than 2,000 programs offered in 2024 that include school garden partnerships, on‑farm demonstrations, livestock opportunities for youth, and EFNEP cooking and nutrition classes for low‑income adults. She highlighted the Discovery Gardens Growing Minds program for third‑grade field trips, on‑farm research partnerships that adapt university research to local conditions, and a donation station at the farmers market that channels fresh produce to food banks.

Gardner reported year‑over‑year growth in service delivery: she stated there was a 28% increase in programs and a 72% increase in clients reached from 2023 to 2024. A portion of a numeric line in the transcript was truncated; other specific metrics were not fully legible in the recorded remarks.

Why it matters: Cooperative Extension programming connects university research to local farmers, supports nutrition and health through classroom and adult education, and provides youth development activities that feed into workforce and community development goals.

Notable program details mentioned - Over 2,000 programs hosted in 2024 across agriculture, food and nutrition, and 4‑H youth development. - Disaster response: coordinated distribution of more than 1,000 bales of hay to producers after Hurricane Helene (work referenced as assistance provided during statewide response). - EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) classes for low‑income adults showing household changes in cooking and nutrition choices. - Youth programs including school gardens, Discovery Gardens field trips for third graders, and 4‑H livestock projects that teach responsibility and leadership.

Gardner said Extension aligns its work with the county strategic plan focus areas: community vitality, focused and sustainable future (agriculture), and healthy and safe communities (nutrition and chronic‑disease prevention). She asked the board to view the report and noted the office’s role in disaster response and community outreach.

Quote Jessica Gardner, director, NC Cooperative Extension — Onslow County: “We take the needs that arise in Onslow County and empower people through education to help make Onslow County a thriving community.”

Ending: Gardner’s presentation was informational; the board received the report and was asked to share it with constituents and partners.