Through the pandemic, the national obesity rate among children age 2 to 19 increased from 19.3% in 2019 to 22.4% in 2020.

The Christian County SNAP-Ed assistant taught the LEAP for Health (Literacy, Eating and Activity for Preschool/Primary) curriculum at a local elementary school for their aftercare program. It was an in-person program after the pandemic. The group was comprised of children in grades Kindergarten-6th. A pre-test was given at the beginning of the LEAP classes and then a post-test at the end to measure progress.

For each class, the assistant read a LEAP book to the group. Subjects covered included nutrition, handwashing, food safety and physical activity. The topics were then discussed and the group did various related activities. Healthy snacks were also served.

According to post-tests, 77% of all the children improved their abilities to choose foods or gained knowledge according to Federal Dietary recommendations. 75% of 3rd-5th graders improved their responses to tasting new foods with 63% of them eating vegetables as a snack. 53% of the children gained use and knowledge of safe food handling practices with 67% of 3rd-5th graders improving their responses to putting cold foods back in the refrigerator. In addition, 50% of K-3rd graders had improved responses on when to wash their hands.