According to the 2018 Annual SNAP-Ed Report for Kentucky, at least one out of 3 Kentucky children are overweight or obese. Nearly half of Kentucky children consume fruits less than once daily, well below the 1½ to 2 cups daily recommended by USDA MyPlate. Children who consume low amounts of fruits and vegetables are at greater risk for many nutrition related health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables daily can help reduce the risk of many leading causes of illness and death, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity.”

Morgan County Extension began a collaboration with the Morgan County School nutrition program and cafeteria during the fall of 2019. At Morgan County Middle School, 100% of students receive free school meals due to the use of USDA commodities in addition to those qualifying for free or reduced meals.  Working with the school cafeteria offers an opportunity for Policy, Systems and Environment changes that directly impact students. While the National School Lunch program already has regulations in place to ensure that schools are serving nutritious foods, getting students to select and consume the healthy foods is another matter. The County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences Education provided the school cafeteria with marketing items designed to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by middle school students. The banners, aprons, and other signage were used in the cafeteria for a 6 week period.

Although results are not available yet to determine if students consumed more fruits and vegetables as a result of the marketing intervention, there have been positive changes in collaboration of Morgan County Extension and the school nutrition program.  One of the success noted during the process, was the increase in students eating apples that were sliced versus whole.  Morgan County Extension FCS Education provided a commercial apple slicer to be utilized.  The staff and students noticed the change and consumption seemed to increase.  The working relationship has increased communication, the understanding of Family & Consumer Sciences programming and all are looking forward to future programming.  Students, faculty, staff and parents have been receptive to the program.  It was a win-win for all.