In Kentucky nearly one out of two children consume less than one serving of fruit daily. Some children are not given the opportunity to try new foods at home, including fruit. 

In an effort to teach healthy habits and food choices at an early age, the Meade County EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) assistant collaborated with the Family Resource Center at Ekron Elementary to offer a LEAP (Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary) program. Weekly, for six weeks, a book was read by the EFNEP assistant to 20 first graders. The books had different topics such as, food safety, physical activity, gardening, and trying new foods. The students enjoyed a fruit or vegetable snack after the story was discussed. Several students sampled foods they had never tried before.

As a result, 75% improved their diet quality. Over half (60%) improved their food safety practices. The majority of the students commented that they are active more than an hour a day. One of the school’s cafeteria workers mentioned that some of the first grade students have been requesting new fruits to be served for lunch!