According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Kentucky youth obesity rates in 2011 were at 35.7% for children ages 10-17. The national obesity average is 31.3% making Kentucky one of the unhealthiest states in the nation.

With the popularity of television shows in the area of food and nutrition reaching all time highs, Kentucky 4-H decided to capitalize on that success.  Creating a "Culinary Challenge" makes an impact by reaching youth with fun education to make positive changes in alarming obesity rates.

Youth are creating their own meals using healthy Kentucky Proud products that will not only satisfy their palates, but also make strong determinants on their future health through healthy eating behaviors .  Studies show that a healthier population will result in less chronic disease, lower medical costs, and more energetic productive citizens.  

Not only do youth learn to use natural and healthy Kentucky food products, but they also learn about the nutritional content as well as the USDA my plate guidelines for healthy food consumption. Knife safety, the dangers of cross contamination, serving sizes, and how to prepare a dish using fresh fruits and vegetables are just some of the ways Kentucky 4-H is making an impact on the lives of youth.

McCracken County has been involved in the 4-H Culinary Challenge for the past 2 years.  In 2016 McCracken County 4-Hers advanced in their first year to the State competition, winning at the local and district levels. In 2017 the team advanced and won the State contest moving on to Nationals and finishing in the top 10. The experiences these youth have gained through their hard work and practice will last them a lifetime.  90% of the youth involved in this 4-H cooking program have changed their eating habits with 50% going to a heavily weighted plant based diet. These youth have not only made changes in their lives, but also in the lives of their siblings and parents.  Two of the youth are soon to graduate and have aspirations of opening their own restaurants and serving food that is focused on local products, health and nutrition.

Kentucky 4-H believes that all youth should have opportunities for positive youth development in our four guiding concepts: mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity. The Kentucky 4-H Culinary Challenge fosters mastery of food preparation and food safety skills; belonging by working together to accomplish a goal; independence by developing the skills needed to eat healthy foods for a lifetime; and generosity by teaching these skills to others.