The problem

According to the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky,  25.5% of youth ages 10-17 have obesity, giving Kentucky a ranking of 2 among the 50 states and the District of Columbia." Since healthy lifestyles choices is  part of the Lewis County plan of work  it was decided to do programming on eating healthy during 4-H club meetings. 

The educational program response

During the monthly club meeting with 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students the Lewis County Extension Office did lessons on nutrition using the Plate It Up curriculum. Lessons were done on portion size, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, trying new foods, and exercise.

The participants/target audience

Participants were 4th, 5th and 6th grade students from the four elementary schools in Lewis County.

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response.

At the end of the school year a survey of 400 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students was conducted.  The results are as follows:

93% (371 of 400) reported they had tried new foods because of what they learned in 4-H.

91% (363 of 400) reported They are more willing to try new foods because of what they learned in 4-H.

83% (330 youth out of 400) reported they had made healthy lifestyle choices as a result of what they learned through 4-H programming.