Families throughout Kentucky try to juggle their busy schedules the best they can. Sometimes the ball that drops is the one that includes leading a healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating habits are pushed to the side due to time. Therefore, some families choose fast food or processed foods, which may create health issues.

Meade County Cooperative Extension Service and Ekron Elementary partnered to offer a summer program for parents/guardians and their children. The Healthy Choice for Every Body Program was conducted by the EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Program) assistant. The program met at the school once a week for seven weeks. Six families, consisting of six adults, five boys and two girls attended to learn about nutrition, food budgeting, food safety, meal planning, and the importance of physical activity. After the weekly lesson each family prepared a recipe from the beginning to the end. The parents or grandparents worked side by side with their child, it was quality time spent together. When they were done cooking they all sat down to sample their creation. They were also able to take home leftovers to share with other family members.

The program showed great results. The majority (83%) showed improvement in their physical activity behaviors. Over half (67%) increased their daily fruit intake. The group as a whole (100%) increased the amount of meals they cooked at home weekly.  This program was such a success, it will be offered at two schools next summer.