According to the Centers for Disease Control website Kentucky has the second highest adult obesity rate in the nation and according to on-line source Kentucky Health News, Kentucky children aged 10 to 17 have the nation’s highest rate for that age group. In an effort to encourage healthy eating habits and to prevent youth and adult obesity, which is a major health concern in Lewis County, the Lewis County Extension Office conducted the Professor Popcorn program.  By teaching participants to make better meal and snack decisions, choosing food from the five food groups, eating the right portion size, and to exercise, participants would be less likely to be overweight and would be healthier.  

Five lessons were conducted with 145 second grade students using the Professor Popcorn curriculum.  Each lesson taught the importance of eating healthy by choosing foods from the five food groups, introducing different foods into what you eat, exercise, and safe food handling guidelines.  A tasting party was held at the end of each lesson where youth tasted foods from the food group studied that day.  

At the end of the program a survey of 127 participants was conducted.  The results were as follows:

-101 Participants (80%) reported that they are more willing to try new foods.

-99 Participants (78%) reported they try to make sure they are being physically active.

-93 Participants (73%) reported they have made healthier lifestyle choices such as washing their hands, choosing better snacks, eating more fruits and vegetables, and being more active since participating in the program.

-90 Participants (71%) reported they had increased their daily number of fruits or vegetables eaten as a result of participating in the program.