Success StoryLEAP to a Healthier Tomorrow



LEAP to a Healthier Tomorrow

Author: Stacey Stephens

Planning Unit: Harrison County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

According to the CDC in the United States, the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s.Two of  biggest culprits are: increased screen time, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, and choosing unhealthy grab and go snacks.

Southside Elementary School 21st Century program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Program, through the University of Kentucky Harrison County Extension Office, partnered to help youth make healthier choices. The program for grades kindergarten through second grade. Once per week, for six weeks, 24 youth participate in the program. During the weekly one hour meeting, the SNAP-Ed Program Assistant used the LEAP program to deliver an engaging story, provided a physical activity, and introduced the youth to a fun, kid friendly recipe. The youth prepared their own recipe at each lessons. 

Upon the completion of the program, 79% of the children showed improvement identifying dairy food, 75% improvement identifying when to wash their hands and 46% improved their response of identifying fruits. The final day of the program, the youth invited family to attend. The youth prepared healthy meal for their guests and shared what they had learned from the program. 






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