The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) is a program offered by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.   The goal of the NEP program is to help limited resource youth and adults improve the quality of their diets, resources and management through individual and group classes.  Curriculum is researched based developed by nutrition specialist and on the needs of participants.  Youth programs are based on school core content.

The nutrition program assistant in Knott County used Professor Popcorn in the public school system.   Hand washing was a part of the class.  According to the Center of Disease Control; handwashing reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 31%,  Reduces diarrhea illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58% and reduces respiratory illness, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%.  .  A single gram of human feces-which is the weight of a paper clip- can contain one trillion germs.  Germs like salmonella, E.coli, and norovirus can cause diarrhea and respiratory illnesses.  

The classes also emphasized food safety practices. The participants started each class by washing their hands.  Each child helped prepare the snack using food safety handling practices.  Teaching the public about handwashing helps them and their communities stay healthy.  

Each class the Assistant did a handwashing and food safety review. Post evaluation determined that 45% of the participants practiced handwashing and food safety.  One participant said, “I never really thought about my fingernails when washing my hands.” By the end of the school year each child was able to identify what needed to be done in order to avoid cross contamination.  Data was collected and showed that 100% of the participants showed improved food safety practices and techniques.