Harlan County has the third highest unemployment rate and thirty-seven percent of Harlan County residents live in poverty.  The data from Kentucky Health Facts also indicates that only 17% of adults get their recommended fruit and vegetable intake.  Also, 71% of the county is overweight.  I feel that reaching the youth in Harlan County at a young age can help make these behavioral changes before adulthood.  

I conducted 2 programs in Harlan County that had a positive outcome.  First, the entire kindergarten class at Harlan Independent was taught the Leap curriculum.  My other youth program was a partnership with Christ's Hands and the Challenge Academy.  The Challenge Academy is a school where kids come when it's their last chance before jail and/or not graduating high school.  (they are grades 9th-12th)  The female cadets at the Challenge Academy were taught the Teen Cuisine curriculum.  Both these programs had great growth...for example, 100% of youth in grades 9-12 improved in one or more core areas.  92% of children and youth improved their abilities to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations or gained knowledge.  61% of children and youth improved their physical activity practices or gain knowledge.  Then, when it came to food safety, 75% of children and youth used safe food handling practices more often.  I feel that the youth of Harlan County have such a need for the Nutritional Education Program that we provide.  I feel the data shows just how effective the program was to some of the youth of Harlan County.