Author: Stephanie Caldwell
Planning Unit: McCracken County CES
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service, Senior Nutrition Education Program Assistant, the Horticulture Agent, and their assistant, organized Youth Garden Adventure Summer Camps throughout the county. A total of 104 youth attended the camps, which catered to children in grades K-2 and 3-5. The camps used the Serving Up MyPlate “Yummy Curriculum” to teach children about healthy eating habits, the importance of physical activity, and gardening.
The camps were designed to be both educational and hands-on, incorporating gardening activities with nutritional education to engage the children in learning about food, health, and the environment. The results showed significant improvements in knowledge and behavior across both age groups.
K-2nd Grade Improvements:
3rd-5th Grade Improvements:
Older children in grades 3-5 showed equally impressive gains:
The Youth Garden Adventure Summer Camps successfully combined gardening, nutrition, and physical activity education to create a holistic learning environment. By integrating the Serving Up MyPlate “Yummy Curriculum”, the children not only learned about healthy food choices but also put their knowledge into practice by growing their own fruits and vegetables in the garden. This hands-on approach helped them better understand the connection between gardening, food, and health.
The program’s success was evident in the behavioral changes among the youth participants, who now demonstrated healthier habits in both their diet and daily routines. By reducing screen time, increasing physical activity, and making better food choices, these children have set the foundation for long-term health and wellness.
This partnership between the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service and local schools provided valuable education and support, ensuring that the youth of McCracken County are equipped with the knowledge and habits to lead healthier, more active lives.
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