Concurring Healthy Habits at Eden Elementary 3^rd Grade

According to 2016 data from the U.S. Census Bureau Small Area and Income Poverty Estimates, Child Poverty in Kentucky was 24.4% with 3,993 Martin County residents living in poverty, 1,207 of those being children under the age of 18. 

To help address this issue, the Martin County Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education Program partnered with 3^rd grade Eden Elementary students and teachers to increase their fruit and vegetable consumption, increase physical activity, and how to better budget their food dollars by cost/food brand comparison. The Supplemental Nutrition Education Program Assistant offered a 6-session series called Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary (LEAP). Each week’s topic centered on an educational book along with a healthy snack and activity targeting their age group. 

Overall, the program educated 44 students. As a result, 82% increased their vegetable consumption, 89% improved regarding handwashing and hygiene, 80% increased their physical activity, and 93% improved safe food handling procedures, and 100% improved their abilities to choose healthier food options. Post evaluations revealed the following positive changes, “Every time you come to school, I have to go to the store so my daughter can fix the snack at home.” Also, there have been several students start their own Facebook channel demonstrating their skills they learned from this program.