Success StoryAn Inspired Career Path



An Inspired Career Path

Author: Andrea Munoz

Planning Unit: KSU Administration

Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

An Inspired Career Path

According to the CDC, empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories for children and adolescents age 2–18 years—affecting the overall quality of their diets. Approximately half of these empty calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. Additionally, most youths do not consume the recommended amount of total water. Middle school students are part of the population that requires special attention when it comes to eating habits. At this age, they start to make their own decisions about food and that is the reason that SNAP-Ed focuses on this population in Whitley County.

With the partnership of Health Corps and Berea College Promise Neighborhood, I have utilized the Teen Cuisine curriculum and organize Rookie Cooking Camps focused in 6th to 8th grader, as well as a cooking club afterschool program in the Corbin School District. Many of the kids had taken recipes, that they replicate at home and make part of the regular meal rotations, which by itself is a success. However, this year was especially nice to know that one of our participants, leaving middle school and starting her freshman year has decided to pursue culinary school. She felt inspired by participating in our different programs during 7th and 8th grade.

After program participation, 50% of all program participants self-report that they have improved their ability to choose foods according to the Federal Dietary Recommendations and 50% report improvement in their ability to prepare simple, nutritious, affordable food. I am delighted that SNAP-Ed is impacting how the next generation is looking at food.






Stories by Andrea Munoz


Farmers Market Senior Voucher 2021

about 3 years ago by Andrea Munoz

According to the USDA 800,000 seniors benefit from the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. know... Read More


Anchor Ministries, Rehab and Challenge under COVID19

about 4 years ago by Andrea Munoz

No doubt, SNAP-Ed nutrition educators have had some challenges during this year of COVID19. Many of ... Read More


Stories by KSU Administration


SNAP-ED Still Making an Impact among Primary Students on Their Overall Health during a Pandemic

SNAP-ED Still Making an Impact among Primary Students on Their Overall Health during a Pandemic

about 3 years ago by Jessica Reed

According tohttps://stateofchildhoodobesity.org as of October 2020, Kentucky youth has the highest o... Read More


Serving Families: Backpack Buddies Help With Weekend Meals

Serving Families: Backpack Buddies Help With Weekend Meals

about 3 years ago by Kathleen "Happy" Raffaele

Research conducted by Feeding America shows Kentuckys food insecurity rate is more than 20%. Childre... Read More