Breckinridge County 4-H is on a mission, pedaling the Blender Bike far and wide to teach kids about nutrition and staying active in the most fun way possible!

Introducing new fruits and vegetables into a child’s diet can be challenging. It's crucial to ensure that developing minds and bodies receive proper nutrition. Anna Denny, Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development in Breckinridge County, led several lessons at local Breckinridge County schools, as well as an Ag Expo event that served every single 6th grade student in the county. At the start of the lesson, she had them play a game that asked questions to find out which fruits or vegetables the children liked. For example, when the participants were instructed, “If you like spinach, go to the left side of the room. If you don’t like spinach, go to the right side of the room” the vast majority of the young participants urgently shuffled to the right side of the room, expressing their disgust at spinach.

After the survey that was disguised as a game, it was time to blend up a nutritious smoothie in the Blender Bike. The recipe consisted of frozen bananas, strawberries, and mangos, fresh spinach, carrots, water, and a little bit of orange juice. Every participant had a chance to take a turn on the Blender Bike, enthusiastically pedaling to see the blender create a smoothie. Once everyone had a turn on the bike, the Agent announced, “Now, it’s time to be rewarded with the fruits of your labor!” The participants, once hesitant to try a smoothie made with spinach, were now eager to taste test their creations.

The participants were asked, “What do you taste?”

Several students exclaimed, “You can’t taste the spinach at all!” Almost all of the participants reported that they enjoyed the smoothie, and asked for more. When asked if they would like to make smoothies at home with their families, 96% of the participants said yes. When asked if the participants would like to ride bicycles with their families at home for exercise, 90% of the participants said yes.

The Blender Bike has not only encouraged physical activities for families with children, but it also encouraged them to try new fruits and vegetables in a way that is enjoyable. Breckinridge County Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H Youth Development Education Program continues to travel to local schools and youth events, promoting healthy living.