The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Pike County Cooperative Extension Service has partnered with Kimper Elementary School to provide health education opportunities for local students. 

By using the Professor Popcorn curriculum, students learned about MyPlate, which is a learning tool that teaches about the five food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Students learned how much should be eaten daily from each food group, as well as the importance of eating a colorful array of foods to ensure they are staying healthy and receiving plenty of vitamins and minerals. In addition, students learned about portion control, food safety, and the importance of drinking plenty of water and staying active.    

Twenty-five students participated in the program. Forty-five percent reported eating more vegetables and healthier snacks, 59% increased their physical activity and exercise, and 45% practiced better food safety. 

Positive student responses included: “Thank you for teaching me how to exercise more and drink more water,” and “You have inspired me to eat more vegetables and fruits, and I have been drinking less pop.”