According to the Kids County Data Book published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation in 2015, 17% of children in Jefferson County were living in food insecure households. Additionally, in 2009, 15.6% of elementary aged children in Kentucky were determined to be obese and only 21.4% of Kentucky adolescents reported being physically active for at least 60 minutes daily on each of the 7 days prior to the Youth Risk Behavior survey administered by CDC, Division of Adolescent and School Health. Obesity is a risk factor for the development of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol, low self- esteem, negative body image and depression (American Heart Association, 2016). Nutrition education is an evidence-based, cost effective way to improve health outcomes and foster healthy eating habits for a lifetime (Laurie M. Tisch Center, Columbia University, 2014).

As part of a collaboration between the University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program and the Jefferson County Public School System, nutrition education programming was delivered by school staff at two elementary schools to a total of 400 students, in grades kindergarten, first grade and second grade. The LEAP (Literacy, Eating and Activity for Primary) curriculum was utilized in this collaboration, with a focus on teaching youth about nutrition foods, healthy eating habits, hand washing, food safety and being physically active. Program components included a health focused storybook reading, a tasting of a new food and a physical activity. School staff was trained in program delivery and evaluation and completed 285 hours working on the project throughout the school year. At the conclusion of the program, 77% of students were able to correctly identify physical activity opportunities, 58% were able to identify healthy snack options and 53% were able to identify when their hands should be washed. This increase in nutrition and food safety knowledge will be extremely beneficial to youth as they increase their self-efficacy in making healthy choices. The program will continue next school year with new students and will continue to improve the nutritional knowledge and habits of Jefferson County youth.