Poor diet quality among Americans is the leading cause of disease and illness according to the Centers for Disease Control.  Research shows the in rural areas and low income regions this problem is more prominent.  In these areas, the majority of children do not meet the daily recommendation for fruit and vegetable consumption.  

  Through the combined partnership of the local school system and the Owsley County Extension Service, the SNAP-Ed assistant teaches the Professor Popcorn curriculum to grades 1^st-6^th grades at the Owsley County Elementary and Middle schools.  This curriculum is a nutrition and physical activity based teaching that introduces participants to the knowledge of healthy foods and activity and the effects this has on the body.  Along with this curriculum the school also offers students a healthy snack choice, the fresh fruit and vegetable program as well as the farm to school incentives.  

  Throughout the year, the combined efforts of the SNAP-Ed assistant and the school system have increased the fruit and vegetable consumption among school aged children.  One student commented that with the increased availability and the nutrition knowledge made her want to eat more fruits and vegetables every day in order to be a healthier person.