LEAPing back to school

After almost a two year break of in person youth programs, the Muhlenberg County SNAP-Ed assistant was allowed to return to Muhlenberg South Elementary School to present the LEAP program to Kindergarten and First Grade students.  University of Kentucky data shows that youth eat fewer fruits and vegetables than the daily recommended amounts.  Poor nutrition and less physical activity have been linked to the rise in youth obestity.  The prevalence of obesity in children ages 6-11 was 17.5% in 2014.  The LEAP(Literacy, Eating, Activity, for Primary students) program addresses all of those growing health concerns by using story books to teach young children about nutritious foods, healthy eating habits, handwashing, food safety, dental health, and being physically active.  

LEAP was presented to all students in Kindergarten and First Grade at Muhlenberg South Elementary.  145 students completed the pre and post evaluations. Through a series of six lessons of reading books, engaging in physical activity, healthy choices, and nutritious snacks 99% of the children showed improvement in on or more core area.  62% of the youth made an improvement is identifying children being active and their physical activity practices.  94% of the youth showed improvement in their ability to choose healthy foods according to the Federal Dietary Recommendations.

The LEAP program connects children to events in their daily lives, and motivates them to adopt positive behaviors to last a lifetime.