Author: Susan Riggs
Planning Unit: LaRue County CES
Major Program: LEAP
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
As per the Centers for Disease Control, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 91.1% of adults in Kentucky are not consuming two or more fruits and three or more vegetables daily. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help increase these habits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends creating healthy habits young by supporting farm to institution programs in schools and enhancing access to stores and markets that sell fruits and vegetables, such as farmers' markets. Each Wednesday and Thursday during the spring of 2024, Susan Riggs, LaRue County's Nutrition Education Assistant, taught LEAP (Literacy, Eating and Activity for Primary School) at College Street Preschool. During the last day of the program, smoothies were made, and a recipe was sent home with each child. Also, the children received information about the LaRue County Farmers Market operated by the LaRue County Cooperative Extension Service. As part of NEP's involvement in the June Farmers Market, recipe cards and Chop-Chop magazines were handed out along with Farmers Market Sorbet samples. One child who participated in the LEAP program attended this market where he tried the sorbet. According to the mother, her child now enjoys smoothies with spinach as a snack, and it is among his favorites. Furthermore, she stated that he now consumes squash and tomatoes as a result of LEAP, knowing they are healthy for him. These healthy habits begin with one young child who will hopefully continue to practice it and will encourage others to follow suit.??
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