The prevalence of obesity in America has been an ongoing and increasing issue. In Kentucky, 30% of adults are obese, while Shelby County has a 30.9% obesity rate. The low-income preschool obesity rates are alarming as well, with 21.3% of children being overweight or obese in Shelby County, and 15.9% of children being overweight and obese in the entire state. According to Kentucky Health News in early 2014, only 23% of Kentuckians consume the recommended 5 or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables. In order to help decrease the prevalence of obesity in Shelby County, the Cooperative Extension Office has created a local nutrition program in order to educate students on healthier eating starting at a younger age.

  The Shelby County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent and the 4-H Assistant created and presented a nutrition program in 17 4-H clubs in the elementary schools. A total of 379 children from Shelby County participated in the 4-H school club nutrition program titled "Fruits and Veggies, More Matters” in March 2020. At the end of the session the students completed a commitment pledge where 77% said they planned to eat at least five servings of fruits/vegetables each day.  To help get the nutrition they need, 83% said they would choose healthy snacks.  88% planned to drink nutritious drinks such as water, milk and 100% fruit juice.  The commitment pledge also revealed that 91% would eat breakfast each morning.