Success Story2019 LEAP for Health



2019 LEAP for Health

Author: Audrey Myers

Planning Unit: Taylor County CES

Major Program: Youth Fruit & Vegetable Access

Plan of Work: Improving the Health and Quality of Life for all Taylor County Citizens

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

According to the most recent Kentucky Parent Survey (2012), about 1 in 7 parents (14%) said their child got enough fruits and vegetables on 5 or 6 days during the week.  KIDS COUNT Data Snapshot finds that about two-thirds (64 percent) of Kentucky children are not meeting an important benchmark: reading at grade level at the start of fourth grade. In addition, Kentucky is one of only 12 states where the reading proficiency gap between students from higher- and lower-income families widened by more than 30 percent from 2003 to 2013.  In addition, 23.6% of children living in Taylor County are living in food insecure home.  Because the need for healthy reinforcements is so great for our Kentucky children, the LEAP for Health program is offered in Taylor County public schools and daycare's . The LEAP for Health curriculum is a series of lessons using storybooks to teach children about eating more fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, being physically active, and staying healthy. The curriculum targets children ages pre-school through third grade and their families. Each lesson includes reading a story, tasting new foods, a family newsletter with additional information, and a recipe with suggested activities to reinforce the lesson. The program was taught by the FCS agent and NEP assistant to Taylor County/Campbellsville preschool and school age children. Classroom teachers continue to be highly impressed with the curriculum and children’s reactions. Post lesson observations and surveys provided by the teachers concluded by the end of the 9 month program, 90% of children demonstrated proper hand washing; 98% of children sampled a variety of foods which included fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, or whole grains at least one time throughout the program year;  92% of children were physically active for 30 minutes or more;  95% of children could identify a new fruit or vegetable during the program; 85% of children would choose a healthy snack; and 100% of children left the program knowing at least one good health habit and benefit of exercise and fruit/vegetable consumption.






Stories by Audrey Myers


Slow Cookers for Healthy Meals

about 4 years ago by Audrey Myers

“Children whom eat together with their families are 35% less likely to engage in disordered eating, ... Read More


Court and Main Market

about 4 years ago by Audrey Myers

In our community of Campbellsville we have a number of very talented artists, makers & musicians. W... Read More


Stories by Taylor County CES


4-H To Go Kits

about 4 years ago by Amanda Sublett

In response to COVID-19 school, community and business closings, Marion County Cooperative Extension... Read More


Summer Day Camps Develop Life Skills & Offer Opportunities to Prepare Youth for the Future

about 4 years ago by Amanda Sublett

Kids are often bored at the end of the summer and parents are looking for educational opportunities ... Read More