According to the State of Childhood Obesity website, Kentucky is ranked #1 in obesity of youth, ages 10 to 17, with a rate of 23.8%. The lack of physical activity is one of the contributors to this problem. The use of electronics has increased tremendously and is also an issue.

To improve the frequency of physical activity within this age group the Meade County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Flaherty Elementary School. The assistant conducted a Professor Popcorn Program with 47 fifth graders that were attending Summer School. The program consisted of six sessions, each session included learning about one of the five food groups and the importance of physical activity. The students engaged in 15 minutes of physical activity with the assistant at each session.

Evaluation data showed 94% improved abilities to choose healthier food, 72% used safe food practices more often. Physical activity practices improved by 68%. The school’s principal mentioned, “The students ask every morning as they arrive if they will be having Professor Popcorn today, they have really enjoyed the program.”