According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky has the fifth-highest rate of obesity in the nation. About one-third of U.S. adults (33.8 percent) are obese. Approximately 17 percent (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese (Data from the National Health and Examination Survey).   To combat high obesity rates for elementary and middle school children the Warren County 4-H Youth Development agent partnered with the Warren County Public Library and SoKY Farmer’s Market to offer four Super Star Chef Camps during the summer months.  During the camp, youth learn proper cutting techniques, how to read a recipe, and to try new foods.  During the 3 day camp, 50% of the participants learn the correct way to chop food while using a knife and increased their knowledge by 60% on the correct placement of food in the food groups.

 Agents also distributed 42,000 Chop Chop newsletter by the University of KY SNAP-Ed program during the COVID-19 pandemic in school lunch bags. It has fun activities and recipes to encourage families to eat healthier. One mother was happy to report that her grandson was excited to try the new recipes and wanted to fix supper for his family. To her delight he was enjoying trying new foods.