According to Kentucky Youth Advocates Kentucky Kids Count Data Book, 25.8% of Butler County children live in households which are considered food insecure. Additionally, 16% are living in deep poverty, 31.3% in poverty, and an alarming 72% of Butler County children live in low income families. These statistics, along with The Centers for Disease 2018 State Initiative Report on Fruits and Vegetables, indicate individuals at or below poverty levels in America are not meeting their dietary recommended percentage of fruits and vegetables. The report states a mere 2% of American high school students meet their daily vegetable requirements for proper nutrition.

To combat this crisis, the Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with several organizations in the county to conduct an intensive nutrition camp focusing on children. Seventeen children, preschool through fifth grade, were taught two Literacy Eating and Preschool/Primary lessons and two Serving up My Plate lessons each day during the camp. The participants were divided into two groups alternating between hands-on activities and educational lessons. With help from local volunteers and parents, the Nutrition Education Program Assistant was able to educate the children about various vegetables and encouraged children to try new types of vegetables with a positive mindset. Although some of the children were too young for evaluations, they consumed vegetables and made colorful bead bracelets reflecting which fruits and vegetables they enjoyed. This served as a visual evaluation of the program. The participants were eager to share their creations and knowledge gained with the other children and parents.  One group with seven fourth and fifth graders reported 71% ate vegetables more often. 

The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant, The Butler County Cooperative Extension Service, The Butler County 4H agent, The Butler County Family and Consumer Science agent, Morgantown Care and Rehabilitation Camp Care, and the Butler County Arts Guild worked together to create positive change in the lives of these children.