Success StoryImproving Healthy Snacking



Improving Healthy Snacking

Author: Katie Mills

Planning Unit: Christian County CES

Major Program: Health 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Improving Basic Lifeskills, Well-being, and Quality of Life

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Hopkins County ranks 4th highest in the state for childhood obesity, and 53th out of 120 counties for overall health outcomes. One important factor that contributes to obesity and health outcomes is healthy eating. In an effort to combat these problems, the Hopkins County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Science, in partnership with the SNAP-Ed. Assistant, Hopkins County Agents for 4-H and Youth Development, Hopkins County Agent for Horticulture, the Hopkins County Health Department, and the West Area Health Education Center provided all children at Pride Elementary School with a month-long program, “Food for Thought” aimed at introducing new healthy foods into student’s diets. Each week, students learned about the health benefits of a new fruit or vegetable, read a LEAP book about the food, and taste the food during the school day. Students sampled  snap peas, blueberry/banana smoothies, and pumpkin apple muffins.  A total of 480 students participated in the program. On post-program surveys, 90% (432) of students reported that they tried at least one new food during the program. On post-post program surveys, 71% (341) of students reported that they have eaten at least one of the new foods at home since the conclusion of the Food for Thought program. Programs that promote accessing and consuming fruits and vegetables are an essential part of increasing children’s access to healthy food choices, which in turn positively affect obesity rankings, and overall health outcomes.






Stories by Katie Mills


4-H Leadership Retreat

4-H Leadership Retreat

about 4 years ago by Katie Mills

Hopkins County 4-H participated in a multi-county 4-H Leadership Retreat for 7th graders and above w... Read More


Kentucky Volunteer Forum

about 4 years ago by Katie Mills

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is a beneficial program for volunteers all over the state of Kentucky w... Read More


Stories by Christian County CES


A Win for Families and Farms

A Win for Families and Farms

about 4 years ago by Matthew Futrell

A Win for Families and FarmsCovid-19 will be a phrase that is remembered for many years to come. Muc... Read More


Foreign Dignitaries Tour

Foreign Dignitaries Tour

about 5 years ago by Matthew Futrell

Foreign Dignitaries TourEvery year agriculture becomes more and more a global market.As these market... Read More