Stateofchildhoodobesity.org ranks Kentucky 5^th in high school obesity based on national averages. To teach high school students the importance of eating healthy and exercise, the Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Three Corners Employment to teach high school students in Edmonson County.

The NEP assistant met with 15 students at the Edmonson County High School for two separate three hour workshops. Kitchen skills as well as food safety, and nutrition was taught, and also the importance of physical activity. The students prepared recipes using whole grains, fruits, low fat dairy, lean protein, and vegetables. After completing the program, eight students surveyed reported 75% now ate whole grains more frequently, 63% increased the days they were physically active for at least one hour, 50% reduced screen time, 50% ate more fruit, and 40% washed vegetables and fruit before eating them.

This improvement in diet and exercise is a step to help reduce Kentucky’s high school obesity statistic and help these youth live healthy lives. The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant, The Edmonson County Family and Consumer Science Agent, and Three Corner’s Employment partnered in this effort.