According to the CDC, school closures accelerated weight gain and obesity among kids.  Covid disrupted everyone's lives but adolescents suffered the most.  Disruption in school closures increased stress, which led to led to less physical activity and also unhealthy eating habits which causes added stress and a sedentary lifestyle. We are beginning to see the evidence and notice an increase with negative effect of their isolation.  Here in the Commonwealth obesity is a big concern.  Kentucky has one of the highest pediatric obesity rates in the nation.  According to the CDC 38% of Kentucky children ages 10-17 are considered overweight or obese.  

Empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories in children.  Americans are consuming too many added sugars which contribute to weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  

The U.C. 4-H Cooking club meets once a month at the Union County Extension Office.  Each club meeting the 4-Hers are introduced healthy recipes in which they get to prepare for themselves.  The children learn many skills that are utilized in the kitchen  proper hand washing, handling food, knife safety, proper measuring skills.  Participants were able to take home recipes and prepare for their family.  Many recipes were simple and easy preparation in which they could prepare for themselves in the afternoons after getting home from school. 

4-Hers would attend the next monthly meeting excited about preparing  the recipes for their own family.