Today children struggle with good nutrition or getting enough exercise in their daily lives. Studies show creating healthy habits at an early age can benefit people throughout their lifetime.

The University of Kentucky’s Boone County’s Extension 4-H Agent collaborated with Ockerman Elementary School in Boone County in providing an educational series called The Literacy, Eating and Activity Nutrition Program (Leap). The Leap Nutrition series promotes healthy eating and incorporates exercise to preschool and primary age youth.

The 4-H Agent presented the Leap Nutrition Program to 128 Kindergarten students, meeting six times during the 2023-2024 school year. At each session a story was read, a healthy snack was provided that corresponded with the reading and a fun physical activity was encouraged with all participants. The goal was to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

The programs success was measured visually by student’s reactions to the activities and healthy snacks provided. After each session, the 4-H Agent would verbally ask questions to the students that related to the nutrition lesson. Verbal feedback was given by the students, as well as visual feedback. The students were asked to give a thumbs up, thumbs down, or in the middle to critique their likeness of the story; the food sampling; and the physical activity. Most of the class 96% gave a thumbs up, with 2% in the middle, and 2% thumbs down (Approximate figures).

The Leap Nutrition Program was a terrific way to promote healthy eating and create healthy habits from an early age. Creating healthy habits is a fantastic way to build the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.

                               Three thumbs up, one in the middle. Success and lots of smiles. 

                                 Example of a healthy snack:  Carrots, cucumbers and ranch dressing.