Success StoryLet's Make Kentucky Healthy



Let's Make Kentucky Healthy

Author: Kacy Wiley

Planning Unit: Bourbon County CES

Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

In 2017 Kentucky’s adult obesity rate was 34.3%, making it the 8th highest in the United States. In an effort to make Kentuckian’s healthier a partnership was created between The Bourbon County Cooperative Extension Service, The Bourbon County Health Department, and Community Action. Individuals in the community were invited to attend nutrition education classes that focused on using My Plate as an eating guide, Meal Planning to include more nutritious foods, Eating Better on a Budget, Food Safety, Reading Labels, making healthier Breakfast choices, and Knowing the Limits of certain foods. 

There were fourteen participants who completed the required 7 sessions. At the end of the program 100% (14 of 14) of participants showed improvement in one or more diet quality indicators (i.e., eating fruits, vegetables, red and orange vegetables, dark green vegetables, drinking less regular soda (not diet), drinking less fruit punch, fruit drinks, sweet tea, or sports drinks, and cooking dinner at home). Almost all (86%) of those who completed the program also reported an increase in their physical activity. Also, as a result of this partnership almost all (93%) are using their meal planning techniques before grocery shopping. One participant commented “These classes have changed the way I eat and shop. Thanks to the food we get to taste, I know that food can taste good and be good for me!”






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