Purdue Extension reports record 4‑H participation, local nutrition program shows measurable health gains

Megan Jaspersen, county extension director with Purdue Extension, presented program highlights and modest budget requests. Jaspersen said 4‑H enrollment and livestock projects at the local fair hit record levels and that the extension remains the county’s most visible youth-facing program.

On nutrition and health, Jaspersen described an eight-week "food-as-medicine" class delivered at the hospital that provided participants with $450 of local produce each week. She said attendance was steady (about 15 participants), and that Tara from the health department participated in initial and final measurements; every participant improved either cholesterol or blood-pressure measures during the program.

Budget requests were limited: a 5% increase for the administrative assistant and a seasonal summer-assistant position to cover fair duties (11 weeks at $14.25 per hour). Jaspersen said contractual services rose by 3% per Purdue directives and that the office trimmed postage and supplies where possible.

Next steps: The council heard the report and asked no substantive follow-up; Jaspersen will proceed with the requested personnel increases as part of the formal budget process.