Author: Vanessa Harris
Planning Unit: Menifee County CES
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Outcome: Initial Outcome
According to America’s Health Rankings, Kentucky faces significant health challenges related to obesity, vegetable and fruit consumption, and physical activity. Approximately 36.6% of Kentucky adults are obese, a rate higher than the national average. The state also ranks low in vegetable and fruit consumption and is 50th in physical activity and exercise. To address these issues, the Menifee County Nutrition Education Program assistant collaborated with the Menifee County School district to deliver seven lessons from the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum to seven school parents. Pre and post evaluations were conducted with the parents to measure the program impact. After completing the seven lessons, 89% of the participants showed improvement in eating fruits and vegetables, drinking less regular soda, and cooking dinner at home. Additionally, 67% of participants improved in one or more physical activity behaviors, such as exercising for at least 30 minutes, doing workouts to build and strengthen muscles, or making small changes to be more active. One participant expressed their satisfaction with the program, stating they enjoyed the healthy recipe options and appreciated how the assistant demonstrated incorporating healthy choices into their diet instead of unhealthy ones.
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