In partnership with the LaRue County Family Resource Service Centers at both Hodgenville Elementary School and Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Cool School is a week long summer school program involving 112 total youth in grades K-5.  LaRue County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences collaborated with the Family Resource Youth Service Centers to conduct a series of classes with 80 LaRue County Elementary School Students in grades 1 through 5. The goal was to introduce new foods, improve their eating habits and teach basic cooking skills in addition to awareness of food safety. Classes used the Eat Smart to Play Hard curriculum and recipes to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Students participated in hands on cooking skills by preparing their own healthy recipes using a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Students were given the opportunity to sample a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that they had not tried before including bell peppers and bananas.  One participant stated that “these bell peppers are sweet and I'm going to have my mom buy these so I can make this at home!"

As a result 90% showed improvement in choosing healthier options for recipes they already loved.