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


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

about 5 months ago by Robin Burton

In Grayson County, Kentucky, there has been an impact of nutrition education on third graders that h... Read More


Substance Abuse & Nutrition

about 1 years ago by Robin Burton

The National Institute of Drugs & Alcohol (NIDA) research shows that individuals who are abusing dru... Read More


Stories by Grayson County CES


4-H Passport Kitchen- Exploring Cultures through Cooking

4-H Passport Kitchen- Exploring Cultures through Cooking

about 4 months ago by Kindra Jones

The Kentucky 4-H Passport Kitchen program young people from Kentucky the opportunity to experience t... Read More


Fitt Fiddle: A Champion of Community Wellness Through Physical Activity Promotion

Fitt Fiddle: A Champion of Community Wellness Through Physical Activity Promotion

about 5 months ago by Natalie Taul

Physical inactivity and obesity continue to be roadblocks to health and wellness achievement in Gray... 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 4 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 4 months ago by Debra Hixon

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