Poor nutrition and physical inactivity are tied to obesity. A study conducted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) found that in 2017-2020, 12. 7% of children ages 2 to 5 were obese. Obesity rates for children ages 6 to 11 were even higher at 20. 7%. Obesity has been shown to contribute to major health issues including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, low self-esteem, negative body image and depression in children. 

With the goal of educating Pulaski County youth on healthy eating habits for lifelong health, the Pulaski County Cooperative Extension Service Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant collaborated with the Family Resource Center at Southern Elementary and Hopkins Elementary to offer a LEAP (Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary) program for kindergarteners. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught monthly lessons, for six months, to 196 kindergarteners. The lessons consisted of reading a book that focused on teaching children about nutritious foods, healthy eating habits, hand washing, food safety, physical activity, and trying new foods. The students enjoyed a fruit or vegetable snack after each story. Several students sampled foods they had never tried before. 

As a result of this program, over three fourths (78%) improved their diet quality, and 74% gained more knowledge on food safety practices.