Success StoryCourt Mediation Program Educates Youth on Nutrition



Court Mediation Program Educates Youth on Nutrition

Author: Dylan Gentry

Planning Unit: Adair County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Plan of Work: Strengthening Family & Consumer Sciences

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The problem:

Many youth in south central Kentucky involved in the justice system lack essential life skills and knowledge, including basic nutrition education. Without this knowledge, they may struggle to maintain a healthy diet, leading to potential long-term health issues.


The educational program response:

To address this issue, our youth court diversion program partnered with the Supplemental Nutrition Education Program (SNAP) to implement a comprehensive nutrition education curriculum. Participants in the program received cooking utensils such as measuring cups, vegetable brushes, meat thermometers, and cutting mats to facilitate their learning and application of the curriculum.


The participants/target audience:

The program targeted youth involved in the justice system in south central Kentucky, aiming to equip them with essential nutrition knowledge and cooking skills to make healthier food choices.


Other partners (if applicable):

In addition to SNAP, our program collaborated with local community organizations and volunteers to ensure the success of the program. These partners provided additional resources and support to enhance the learning experience for the participants.


Program impact or participant response:

Over the course of the program, 100 youth from south central Kentucky participated in the nutrition education curriculum. Through hands-on cooking activities and interactive lessons, participants learned about the importance of healthy eating, meal planning, and food safety. They reported back to the court worker about what they learned, demonstrating increased knowledge and confidence in their ability to make healthier food choices.


As a result of their participation in the program, many youth reported positive changes in their eating habits and expressed a newfound interest in cooking nutritious meals for themselves and their families. By providing essential nutrition education and cooking skills, our youth court diversion program is helping to empower young people to lead healthier lives and make positive choices for their futures.






Stories by Dylan Gentry


Adair County Cultural Arts Competition: A Triumph of Creativity

Adair County Cultural Arts Competition: A Triumph of Creativity

about 7 months ago by Dylan Gentry

The problem:Adair County lacked a platform to showcase its rich cultural heritage and artistic talen... Read More


Kickstart the Holidays

Kickstart the Holidays

about 1 years ago by Dylan Gentry

In a successful holiday preparation event, 55 participants joined county extension agents from the L... Read More


Stories by Adair County CES


Adair County Cultural Arts Competition: A Triumph of Creativity

Adair County Cultural Arts Competition: A Triumph of Creativity

about 7 months ago by Dylan Gentry

The problem:Adair County lacked a platform to showcase its rich cultural heritage and artistic talen... Read More


Kickstart the Holidays

Kickstart the Holidays

about 1 years ago by Dylan Gentry

In a successful holiday preparation event, 55 participants joined county extension agents from the L... Read More


Stories by Nutrition and Food Systems General


LaRue County Farmers Market Continues to Grow with POP Club

LaRue County Farmers Market Continues to Grow with POP Club

about 3 months ago by Marla Stillwell

With an overall food insecurity rate of 12.9% in LaRue County, the percentage of food insecurities a... Read More


Food Preservation and Safe Food Storage

Food Preservation and Safe Food Storage

about 3 months ago by Debra Hixon

July canning classThe problem: On April 20, 2023, the Calloway County Cooperative Extension Council ... Read More