Obesity is an issue in Ballard County and in the country. Youth obesity is a growing concern.

Ballard County Extension Programs partner with the school systems 21st Century program with a focus on nutrition education. Youth learn about My Plate, food groups, serving sizes and portion sizes. Nutrition games are played like nutrition Jeopardy and Bingo. Food lessons are shared to raise awareness of food groups, a balanced diet and portion control. Physical activity is a part of the lessons as well. Simon Says, Chair Yoga and outdoor play.

Grades K-8 are reached with a combination of efforts.  The 4-H Agent works with K-2 and 6-8 with nutrition and physical activity lessons. The FCS Agent works with 3-5.

Ballard County Extension is a co-applicant with Ballard County Schools for three grants at the present time: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8.

By the end of the lessons, 100% of the nearly 70 attendees recognize MyPlate. 90% can place foods on the MyPlate correctly. 90% can identify the correct food groups of sample foods. 100% participated in tasting samples of each of the food groups over the course of the school year.