In Kentucky, 39% of youth ages 10 to 17 face obesity, according to the 2019-2020 Kids County Data Center report.  To prevent this trend and support lifelong healthy habits for Kentucky youth, the Clinton County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the Albany Elementary School Gym teacher to offer a 6-lesson series. Lessons were delivered to 138 first-grade students using the Purdue University Professor Popcorn curriculum.

As a result of the program, 55% of youth could correctly identify fruits and vegetables, while 83% could correctly identify dairy sources.  At the end of the 7 months, 46% of youth involved could correctly identify healthy snack options over unhealthy options and 34% could recognize physical activities compared to sedentary activities.  The students enjoyed the hands-on and physical activities that accompanied each lesson.  The students were excited to see the NEP Assistant each month and would comment about how much fun they would have learning about good-for-you foods.  One little girl stated, “I like knowing what’s good for me so I can have mommy buy it at the store!”