The majority of children are busy with their video games or using social media for hours each day instead of getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity.  Days of children playing outside until dark is diminishing. The amount of physical activity for the average child   is becoming less and less each year.

In an effort to educate youth on the importance of physical activity and nutrition, the Meade County Cooperative Extension EFNEP (Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program) assistant partnered with Ekron Elementary and conducted a six lesson Professor Popcorn Program with 23 third graders. Each lesson included activities involving physical activity, nutrition and food safety. The students were given the opportunity to try a healthy snack with each lesson.

The students are in their pre-teen years, which can be challenging, but they seemed willing to listen and learn. Over half of the students increased their weekly physical activity. Their knowledge of food safety was increased by 71% and 94% improved their diet quality.