~~In the state of Kentucky, the number of adults that are in less than good health is 23%.  In Lawrence County the percentage is higher at 34% (KentuckyHealthFacts.org).  With this information in mind, the United Way Born Learning Academy program was established to meet the critical needs of early childhood parental education in Kentucky communities. United Way Born Learning Academy is a school based workshop series that teaches parents and caregivers of children (up to five years of age) how to turn every day moments into learning opportunities.

~~     Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky provided grant funds to United Way to expand the program. Lawrence County Board of Education received funds for the 2016-2017 school calendar year. The Family Resource Director from Louisa East and Louisa West Elementary school teamed up with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP-Ed) assistant to provide a series of seven classes using the “Healthy Choices for Every Body” curriculum to the families of the children who attended.

~~Three graduated participants reported learning healthier cooking methods and received recipes to prepare at home.  They also reported that planning meals was beneficial because they used planning as a tool to manage their time better. This was especially beneficial to participants since their children are on a school schedule.