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.