According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 24.0% of youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity in Kentucky, giving Kentucky a ranking of 50 among the 50 states and D.C. (“stateofchildhoodobesity.org”).  In correlation, as reported by the National Institute of Health, “obese children are at higher risk of elevated fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), sleep apnea, and asthma. Psychological and social consequences include low self-esteem, social discomfort and isolation, and depression” (Ali AT, Al-Ani F, Al-Ani O. Childhood obesity: causes, consequences, and prevention. Ceska Slov Farm. 2023 Winter;72(1):21-36. English. PMID: 36858977).

In partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Franklin Simpson, a nutrition education series was held with 3^rd and 4^th graders attending the club’s summer camp program during the month of July 2024.  Twenty children participated in a 7-class series using the Professor Popcorn curriculum based on the USDA model of “My Plate.”  Student demographics revealed that 13 students were female and 7 male; 16 students were White, 1 Hispanic, and 3 multiracial.  One classroom teacher was present.

The curriculum content described My Plate as well as good hygiene practices and the importance of physical activity with decrease in screen time on a daily basis for overall health.  In each of 5 classes, a specific food group was studied in depth with emphasis on its importance in the role of health, and a recipe was prepared and sampled by the students that highlighted that food group. Data gathered at the end of the series revealed that 95% of students improved in 1 or more indicators of knowledge/skills necessary to choose foods consistent with Federal Dietary Guideline recommendations, with 70% improving in 2 or more indicators.  Thirteen of 20 children, or 65%, improved by at least one indicator in physical activity, with 50% of students stating a decrease in screen time.

The Nutrition Education Program strives to provide students with skills to make healthy dietary and physical activity choices in effort to decrease the propensity of chronic diseases in adulthood.  Upon program completion, the community partner made this comment.  "Our class appreciates Mrs. Amy coming and looked forward to healthy snacks and learning about different foods and flavors.  This program is changing eating habits in our children and allowing them to explore healthier options."