According to the most recent studies of 2011 21% of Kentucky youth ages 2 -17 are considered obese. Greenup Co. has an obesity rate of 31.9%. The obesity rate of Greenup County is higher than the state average. This results in an even higher risk of developing serious chronic diseases such as diabetes.

In collaboration with the Greenup Co. School System and the Greenup Co. Extension NEP Assistant Morgan King, 146 third grade students participated in a six week-long series. The Snap Ed assistant utilized the Professor Popcorn Curriculum for the basis of the series. The Students participated in hands on learning and received take home literature about each food group as well as participated in physical activities.

The students were also given challenges as groups to utilize the knowledge they had gained to be able to make healthier meals. The students also gained knowledge on the “power of food” and how it is important to make sure they are getting a variety of colors and textures into their daily diets so that their bodies can function properly. 

One student stated that at the end of the series, she had no idea that food held so many “powers” and that she had been “eating the colors of the rainbow” so that her, “heart, brain, hair, skin and nails and digestive system all are working at their best!” She also stated that she had her younger brother eating more fruits and veggies and less candy so that he could be “super” too!