LEAP into Health:  Primary Students increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
On any given day, less than 15% of school children eat the recommended servings of fruit; less than 20% eat the recommended servings of vegetables. In 2013, 29% of 4th graders in Kentucky were reading at the below basic reading level. Because the need for healthy reinforcements is so great for our Kentucky children, the LEAP for Health program for preschoolers was implemented. The curriculum targets children ages pre-school through third grade, and their families. Each lesson includes reading a story, tasting new foods, activities, and a family newsletter with additional information, a recipe and suggested activities to reinforce the lesson. The program was coordinated by the Carlisle County Extension FCS to 62 kindergartners in Carlisle County . Classroom teachers continue to be highly impressed with the curriculum and children’s reactions. Post lesson observations and surveys provided by the teachers concluded by the end of the 3 month program, 62 students demonstrated proper hand washing; 62 students sampled a variety of foods which included fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, or whole grains; 40 students were physically active for 30 minutes or more; 62 students tasted a new fruit or vegetable during the program; 62 students said they would try the fruit or vegetable again at home; and 62 students left the sessions knowing at least one good health habit and benefit of exercise and fruit/vegetable consumption.