According to the State of Childhood Obesity website, Kentucky is ranked #1 in obesity of youth, ages 10 to 17, with a rate of 23.8%. One of the issues with obesity within our youth is, their daily intake of fruits and vegetables is far below what is recommended. The lack of physical activity also contributes to this problem. 

To improve the frequency of physical activity within this age group the Meade County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Ekron Elementary School. The assistant conducted a Professor Popcorn Program with 58 second graders. The program consisted of six sessions, each session included learning about one of the five food groups and the importance of physical activity. The students engaged in 10 minutes of physical activity with the assistant at each session. The assistant provided a snack that correlated with the food group they were learning about that week, along with a fruit or vegetable at most sessions.

Evaluation data showed 76% improved abilities to choose healthier food, 79% used safe food practices more often. Physical activity practices improved by 28%. The students looked forward to the classes each week and would ask the assistant if she would bring more fruit samples the next week.