One problem facing our youth is obesity.  Healthy eating habits are not always followed.   To try to encourage healthy choices, Monroe County 4-H has partnered with Tompkinsville Elementary School’s Club (afterschool program).  Many aspects of healthy living and healthy choices are covered, but activities relating to making the best food choices are the most popular among the youth.  

On March 19, 2025, a 4-H Teen ambassador and I visited TES with the activity Healthy Food Facts.   Students played a matching game with facts about various fruits and vegetables.  While completing the activity, we discovered that students assumed they did not like most of the vegetables and only liked certain fruits. After surveying them, it was also discovered that most of the students had not tried the foods they assumed they did not like.  The clever facts revealed during the activity sparked interest and curiosity in the youth.

On April 2, 2025, we returned with a follow up activity.  I brought samples of each fruit and vegetable listed in the activity.   From the Plan Eat Move website, I found and prepared a healthy vegetable and fruit dip.  As a group we discussed the health benefits of dip and the fruits and vegetables.  The group knows our rule… “you don’t have to like it, but you have to try one bite.”  Much to my surprise once the youth tried the vegetables and fruits, they liked them and asked for seconds and thirds.  

By using a thumbs up survey, 100% of the youth tried a food they had never tried before.  94% indicated that they liked a fruit or vegetable they thought they did not like.  91% were eager to eat the fruit or vegetable again, and 97% were planning to ask their parents to make the dips and purchase the fruits and vegetables.