According to the 2020/2021 data from Sate of Childhood Obesity website Kentucky youth between ages 10-17 are ranked 2^nd in obesity with 25% of youth. This is a 6% increase from 2018 according to the website.

The Supplemental Nutrition Education Program (SNAP-Ed) partnered with Westside Elementary School 21^st Century afterschool program to help the youth grades 3-5 make healthy choices in their lives. Using the LEAP program (Literacy, eating, and activity) curriculum developed by the Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Human Services, and University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. The youth gained knowledge through story books, preparing healthy age-appropriate recipes and physical activity games.

The afterschool youth program consists of 16 third through 5 graders. They met twice a week for three weeks for one and half hours each meeting.  At the conclusion of the program 94% improved in one or more core nutritional areas, 14 out of 16(88%0 improved their ability to choose foods according to the Federal Dietary Guidelines, and 75% improved their physical activity practices.  The finial day of the program the youth prepared a healthy meal for their families. Two of the parents were amazed their child had tried new foods throughout the program. 

The LEAP curriculum has taught the youth at 21 Century Westside the importance of physical activity, the confidence to try new foods and prepare age-appropriate recipes.