In Grayson County, Kentucky, there has been an impact of nutrition education on third graders that has been nothing short of inspiring.  Over the past school year, these young students have learned about healthy eating habits through the specialized Nutrition Education Program (NEP) from the University of Kentucky.  The NEP Assistant that taught these lessons used the Professor Popcorn Curriculum. These lessons are designed to empower children with knowledge about nutrition and healthy food choices. The program aims to align their dietary decisions with federal recommendations.  Through hands-on experiences and engaging discussions, the students learned the importance of balanced nutrition and how to apply that knowledge to their daily lives.  They also learned the importance of physical activity. 

When the program concluded, the results were overwhelmingly positive.   An astounding 95% of the participating children demonstrated improved abilities to choose foods according to federal dietary recommendations or has significantly increased their knowledge thereof.  This knowledge also enhanced their newfound confidence in making informed food choices.   Moreover, 78% of these third graders also improved their physical activity practices and gained knowledge about the importance of being physically active every day. 

With the success of these students in Grayson County, it serves as a testament to the importance of early intervention in promoting healthy lifestyles by equipping children with fundamental nutrition comprehension at a young age. The Nutrition Education Program not only enabled these students to make healthier choices, but it also has laid a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits to support overall wellbeing.