According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky youth rank among the 10 highest for obesity in the U.S..  According to the U.S. Census, approximately 19% of Kentucky’s total population is living in poverty; and, approximately 27% percent of children and youth under the age of 18 live in poverty.  KY Dept of Education School Report Card for 2017-18 shows 53.4% of youth receive free lunch and 7.5% receive a reduced lunch rate.

Todd County Nutrition Education Program Assistant met with a Todd County Central High School Family Consumer Science group and presented Teen Cuisine lessons to the group. The NEP Assistant showed the teens how to choose affordable healthy food and how to compare food prices by the unit price. Teens enjoyed preparing healthy recipes, working on food safety experiments, and learning to increase their physical activities.

Summary of Improvement 

At the completion of the class, 100% youth improved their ability to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations. Eighty-eight percent of the youth adopted and practiced two or more food selection behavior(s) consistent with Federal Dietary Guideline recommendations; while 63% of youth adopted and practiced three or more food selection behavior(s) consistent with Federal Dietary Guideline recommendations.

• 75% improved in their responses to: Yesterday, how many fruits? 
• 63% improved in their responses to: How often do you choose whole grains?
• 75% youth improved their physical activity practices or gained knowledge.
• 63% youth adopted and practiced 1 or more behavior(s) necessary to handle food safely.

The Todd County NEP Assistant will continue to work with youth, to help them learn to eat healthy on a budget and hopefully, reduce the level of obesity in our County.