Success Story“LEAP”ing into Millard School



“LEAP”ing into Millard School

Author: Ruth Kirk

Planning Unit: Lawrence County CES

Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

Outcome: Initial Outcome


 According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, Kentucky is the least physically active state in the nation. The risk factors of poor nutrition and physical inactivity begin early in life. The Bogalusa Heart Study indicated that children as young as 2 years old were already consuming a high-fat, high-sodium, and low-fiber diet. Furthermore, the percentage of children and adolescents who are overweight has more than doubled in the past 30 years. 

The Lawrence County Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Assistant (EFNEP) contacted the Millard Elementary School to establish a community partnership and to implement Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary (LEAP) with the students. The EFNEP Assistant enrolled 22 students. 

The LEAP program consisted of a pre-assessment to learn of existing knowledge then six lessons using storybooks and activities to teach children about nutritious foods, healthy eating habits, hand washing, food safety and being physically active. In each lesson the students would listen to a storybook, participate in an activity and then be rewarded with a healthy snack pertaining to the story that was read. After each lesson, parents received a newsletter with tips for family health and fun nutritious recipes. Following a post-assessment, behavioral improvements were as follows: 100% of students use safe food handling practices more often; 59% improved their abilities to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations; 50% improved in their responses by identifying healthy snacks; 50% improved in their responses by identifying dairy and 36% improved their physical activity practices. 






Stories by Ruth Kirk


Enjoying More Fruits and Vegetables

Enjoying More Fruits and Vegetables

about 6 years ago by Ruth Kirk

The Lawrence County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) assistants promoted the importance of eating f... Read More


Blaine Parent Nutrition Education Course

about 6 years ago by Ruth Kirk

Overweight and obesity rates continue to be a growing problem in Lawrence County, Kentucky as identi... Read More


Stories by Lawrence County CES


Family Fishing Day

Family Fishing Day

about 5 years ago by Alivia Faris

According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionchildrens mental health is ... Read More


Lawrence County Farmer's Market

Lawrence County Farmer's Market

about 5 years ago by Laura Maggard

The Lawrence County Farmers Market has been around for many years. It has provided the residents of ... Read More