Success Story“Growing Healthy in Grayson County: Empowering 3rd Graders through Nutrition Education”



“Growing Healthy in Grayson County: Empowering 3rd Graders through Nutrition Education”

Author: Robin Burton

Planning Unit: Grayson County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

 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. 






Stories by Robin Burton


Saving Hope and Health

Saving Hope and Health

about 6 years ago by Robin Burton

Saving Hope Charities is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christ-centered living facility for women... Read More


Getting a Head Start

Getting a Head Start

about 6 years ago by Robin Burton

Recently at the Breckenridge/Grayson Head Start Program, in Grayson County, KY., the Nutrition Educa... Read More


Stories by Grayson County CES


4-H SET Squad

4-H SET Squad

about 5 years ago by Kindra Jones

Grayson County 4-H has had a member on the state 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Board for ... Read More


Mini-Day Camps: A New Way to Cloverbud

Mini-Day Camps: A New Way to Cloverbud

about 5 years ago by Kindra Jones

The purpose of the 4-H Cloverbud program is to help young children learn life skills to become compe... Read More