Overweight and obesity rates continue to be a growing problem in Lawrence County, Kentucky as identified by FRYSC (Family Resource Youth Service Centers) in the Lawrence County public school system. FRYSC reached out to Lawrence County Nutrition Education program requesting classes that promote healthy cooking and making healthy food choices. The Lawrence County EFNEP (Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program) Assistant partnered with Blaine Elementary FRYSC Coordinator and taught 7 (seven) lessons from the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum. Each class focused on topics such as: MyPlate, meal planning, how to read food labels, food budgeting, food safety, the importance of fruits, vegetables and eating breakfast. Recipes and food samples are included with each lesson.

Sixteen (16) participants completed the series. Overall, 100% showed improvement in one or more physical activity behaviors, and 100% showed improvement in one or more food safety practices, 88% of participants improved their intake of eating more fruits and vegetables, and showed improvement in one or more food resource management practices. The participants also learned how to accommodate their family’s needs while cooking at home and saving money at the grocery store. Participants were excited to have easy, healthy recipes to prepare for their picky eaters.