Fostering healthy eating patterns and developing good cooking practices in school age children can potentially increase their health and well-being resulting in a better quality of life. At a young age, children acquire and practice eating habits taught by their parents, caregivers, and/or peers. With childhood obesity rates across the nation on a rise and the decline in Family and Consumer Science educators in schools, nutrition education programs are vital in filling the learning gap.

The Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (KSUCEP) provide low-income families in Kentucky with hands-on nutrition education to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related health challenges. Through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Extension Assistants in Franklin, Fayette and Jefferson County provided nutrition education classes in schools, 4-H programs, afterschool programs and summer camps. During October 2018 through October 2019, five hundred and five school aged children participated in interactive nutrition education classes and meal preparation experiences.  In Key Improvements Indicators, graduates of the program showed: 68% (232 of 343 students) Diet Quality where they improved their ability to choose foods according to Federal Dietary recommendations or gain Knowledge. In Food Safety, 40% (137 of 341 students) used safe food handling practices more often or gained Knowledge and in Physical Activity, 25% (86 of 338 students) improved their physical activity or gained Knowledge.

Overall through KSUCEP we continually gear our nutrition programming to aide in the development of life skills associated with cooking practices that will better adolescent’s chances to live healthier lives.