According to Kentucky intellectual disability is defined as a mental disability which includes mild mental disability (MMD) and functional mental disability (FMD). In 2021-2022 School Year MMD decreased to 11.14% from 15.2% 2008-2009 School Year. FMD has stayed at 3% since the 2008-2009 school year.  With Kentucky students having percentages almost higher than the national average with intellectual disabilities it is important to reach this underserved population. In Logan County School district, the disabilities percentage was 19% where the state average was 16%. Senior Nutrition Education Program Assistant Paige Alexander focused on the need to reach the intellectual disability population for youth to help with basic nutrition skills with her programs. Paige contacted Chandlers and Adairville Elementary Schools and Logan County High School to teach free nutrition programs to students with MMD and FMD.

During the program students K-12 from each school learned about Choose MyPlate, food safety, washing hands, and nutritious foods to eat. Students had hands on experience of using adaptive kitchen equipment to fit their needs for cooking demonstrations. Students were encouraged to take “Hello Bites” of food to see if they liked it or not. Paige worked with students for 6 -8 hours during the school year to teach curriculums Discover MyPlate, Professor Popcorn and Teen Cuisine.

After completing the Nutrition Education Program classes with Paige students improved their knowledge in 88% improved in abilities to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations by learning about Choose MYPlate. Students improved their food handling practices by 65 %; 86 % of the children improved their ability to prepare simple and nutritious meals. With childhood obesity as an epidemic 71% improved their physical activity.