According to 2019 data from the State of Childhood Obesity, Kentucky ranks #1 in childhood obesity for kids aged 10-17 years old. High obesity rates have been linked to many health problems including heart disease.  In order to address this serious issue, the public library teamed up with the county extension office.  The library helped recruit youth from the summer reading program.  They also provided some funds for the class to take place.  A member from the library staff was present each week to help facilitate the class.  The Senior SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program Education) assistant taught the classes outdoors at the city park for 6 weeks.  The program combined 2 curriculums to fit all the need.  The SNAP-Ed assistant used components from the Teen cuisine as well as the Professor Popcorn curriculum.  Each class began with a physical activity followed by a focus on nutrition.  Some topics covered included food safety, Myplate food groups, healthy snacking, and healthy beverage choices.  The kids then practiced a hands-on cooking skill such as measuring an ingredient, chopping a vegetable, or whisking an egg.  The SNAP-Ed Assistant provided a healthy recipe from the curriculum and gave each child a Grab and Go Bag which included the necessary ingredients to make the recipe safely at home.  Participants also received a kitchen tool in their bag every week.  Some tools provided included whisks, nylon knives, aprons, and more.  

There were 18 youth who completed the program ranging in age from 4-13.  Data showed this group had a 100% improvement in being physically active as well as a 100% improvement in food safety knowledge and food group knowledge.  Also, all the participants reported a reduced soda and fruit drink intake on their post evaluation.