Obesity now affects 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the U.S. according to the Center for Disease Control. The lack of physical activity and healthy food choices among the youth in Bell County has obesity on the rise.

The Bell County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed program partnered with the family resource directors in the Bell County School system to educate kindergarten through second grade students on the importance of physical activity and healthier eating habits in their daily routines. When the program started less than 50% of the students showed an interest in eating fruits and vegetables. Using the MyPlate curriculum and visual aids such as; food models and a MyPlate activity mat the students were able to build a healthy plate by choosing foods from each food group. After each session the students were given the opportunity to sample different fruits and vegetables that they may not have had a chance to eat at home.

 After completion of the program 100% of the students are eating more fruits and vegetables in their diets. One teacher stated” I see less waste on lunch trays with my class since they have been introduced to different types of foods through the Nutrition Program.”