The Bullitt County community assessment (2024) data saw a high need (4.5/5) for reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and exercise. The Bullitt County rate for obesity (20% of all Kentucky youth aged 10-17 years old are considered obese) is above both the state and national levels, ranking 8^th highest in the nation (CDC). These rates are influenced by life-long lifestyle behaviors and choices such as quality of diet and amount of physical activity. The Bullitt County Extension Service can help individuals and families establish healthy lifestyle behaviors and relationships throughout the lifespan as way to positively influence choices relating to diet and exercise and help reduce issues such as chronic disease and obesity.

The 4-H agent designed a new club where youth will learn the importance of nutrition and exercise and develop smart habits in the kitchen. The 4- H agent used multiple evidence-based curriculums in the design of this club. The curriculum includes Plan Eat Move recipes, 4-H Cooking 101, Teen cuisine, and Texas A&M info sheets on basic kitchen safety and nutrition.

This club has currently reached approximately 25 young people and adults who stay for the club meetings. Of these attendees, all are white, 1/3 are male, 2/3 are female, and the youth participants are between the ages of 9 and 15 years old.

This club is still in the early stages of learning, and assessment data has been collected that will be used to compare learning at the end of the club meetings for the year. The goals and outcomes for the club are to increase youths knowledge of healthy eating and nutrition, increase knowledge of MyPlate and how to use it, increase knowledge on needed amounts of physical activity, and increase competency in reading recipes and cooking healthy meals.