Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryPiloting of a Nutrition Education Curriculum for Tweens



Piloting of a Nutrition Education Curriculum for Tweens

Author: Sara Brooke Jenkins

Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Physical and mental health are equally important components of overall wellness. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the adolescent years (ages 10 to 17) are ones that establish health patterns that have lasting impact on adulthood. Important adolescent health and social issues that have been identified in the Healthy People 2020 report include mental health disorders, substance use, smoking and nicotine use, sexually transmitted infections, teen and unintended pregnancies, nutrition and weight concerns, homelessness, and substance use. These issues begin or peak during adolescence.  Because of these concerns, the Health 4 Better Living curriculum was developed to focus on knowledge and coping skills that will support specific and general healthy behaviors related to physical and mental health.  

Health 4 Better Living: A Curriculum for Tweens is a series of eight lessons focused on developing knowledge, skills, and behavior change around health and wellness concepts. The program was piloted in 2024-2025 in selected counties across Kentucky by NEP Assistants and County Extension Agents. There were 222 tweens who completed the program. Outcome data findings:

  1. 91% improved their ability and gained knowledge to choose foods according to the Dietary Guidelines.
  2. 89% increased their practice and gained knowledge for safe food handling practices.
  3. 74% increased their practice or gained knowledge of physical activities.
  4. 53% improved their ability or gained knowledge to prepare simple, nutritious, affordable foods.

 Based on feedback from county staff involved in the pilot, program improvements will be made before disseminating the curriculum statewide.






Stories by Sara Brooke Jenkins


Piloting of a Nutrition Education Curriculum for Tweens

about 21 days ago by Sara Brooke Jenkins

Physical and mental health are equally important components of overall wellness. According to the Of... Read More


Fuel for Life

about 22 days ago by Sara Brooke Jenkins

A recent report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation finds that Kentucky has the highest rate of ... Read More


Stories by Family and Consumer Sciences


Celebrating Cultural Connections: Embracing Heritage Through Food and Nutrition Education

Celebrating Cultural Connections: Embracing Heritage Through Food and Nutrition Education

about 3 days ago by LaToya Drake

One-size-fits-all nutrition advice doesnt always capture the rich cultural traditions and meaningful... Read More


Sowing the Seeds of Change: Elevating Kentucky's Local Food Systems Summit

Sowing the Seeds of Change: Elevating Kentucky's Local Food Systems Summit

about 4 days ago by LaToya Drake

When Kentuckians choose to purchase locally grown food, studies show that up to$7 out of every $10sp... Read More


Stories by Nutrition and Food Systems General


Celebrating Cultural Connections: Embracing Heritage Through Food and Nutrition Education

Celebrating Cultural Connections: Embracing Heritage Through Food and Nutrition Education

about 3 days ago by LaToya Drake

One-size-fits-all nutrition advice doesnt always capture the rich cultural traditions and meaningful... Read More


Teaching Neighbors, Strengthening Communities: The Power of KYNEP Storytelling

Teaching Neighbors, Strengthening Communities: The Power of KYNEP Storytelling

about 4 days ago by LaToya Drake

Across Kentucky, our Nutrition Education Program (KYNEP) educators are the “boots on the ground” emp... Read More