Kentucky’s youth are fighting an uphill battle to lower their obesity rate. According to the 2019/2020 data from Stateofobesity.org, the obesity rate among youth ages 10 – 17 in Kentucky has increased from 19.6% to 23.8% in four years.

To educate youth on nutrition and the importance of physical activity the Meade County Cooperative Extension EFNEP (Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program) assistant conducted a four-week Teen Cuisine Program. The EFNEP assistant partnered with Stuart Pepper Middle School to offer this afterschool program. Each session included physical activity tips, along with nutrition and food prep lessons. They were then split into groups to make a recipe that included fruits or vegetables. By involving the students in the making of each recipe, they were more apt to try unfamiliar foods.

At the conclusion of the program the evaluation data showed, 92% increased their physical activity. Over 60% improved their daily vegetable intake. Nearly 85% of the students increased their confidence in reading a recipe and measuring skills.