According to choosemyplate.gov consuming dairy improves bone health and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In Fayette County, through the federally funded Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), the EFNEP program has been a factor in helping children to learn about nutrition education, meal planning, and food safety techniques to educate and change food pattern behaviors to low-income families. Fredrick Douglass high school is a predominantly minority and free and reduced lunch school. Promoting healthy eating is important and it is essential to make fat free or low-fat choices when consuming dairy products.

Encouraging children to cook and prepare foods properly is important. Kentucky State University EFNEP program has helped encourage the teen girls to cook at the Fredrick Douglass high school PEARL girls series. The PEARL girls series was once a month for 6 months. Each month the teen girls got to cook healthy meals and learn about nutritious foods. Using the approved EFNEP curriculum, the teenagers assisted in the preparation of various recipes. The ultimate goal is to teach them how to cook and prepare healthy meals.

The teen girls were encouraged to eat better and improve overall nutrition. Through the 24-hour pre and post food recall, 70% of the girls drink non-fat or 1% milk. The teens in the program were able to assist with measuring ingredients, utilizing kitchen utensils, and use ingredients including lean proteins, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.