In March of 2019, Nelson County FCS Extension, with the support of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the state Nutrition Education Program Office, was able to hire a SNAPEd Assistant to serve one of the greatest needs of the county; nutrition and access to healthy and local foods.  Under the supervision of the FCS Agent, the SNAPEd Assistant in Nelson County has hit the ground running, enrolling new members in the program and marketing the NEP Curriculum throughout.  One program that has had the most "reach", in terms of quantifiable students, was the collaboration with the Nelson County Early Learning Center to provide the "LEAP (Literacy, Eating and Activity for Preschoolers)" program.

"LEAP" in Nelson County reached over 350 students during each session.  The SNAPEd Assistant in Nelson County met with the students in each classroom to provide a six session curriculum based program for the preschoolers, of which explores "MyPlate" and develops sensory skills which can be utilized to supplement young peoples' growth and development.  During the program, preschoolers listen to a story, talk about the five food groups and how they relate to their five senses, and try a new food that includes a fruit or vegetable.  Each student is then led in a 5-10 minute exercise session where they are encouraged to "get moving" and use their gross motor skills.  

Teacher collaborators throughout the school enjoy having the SNAPEd Assistant in their classrooms for each session.  The children are consistently excited when they know SNAPEd is joining them for an hour during their day.  With the exception of very few, each child was able to taste or try at least one fruit or vegetable that they had never eaten before.