According to the Barren River District Health Department 2016-2018 data Kentucky has an obesity rate of 35% and Logan County’s obesity rate is 38%. The Logan County Family Consumer Sciences Extension Agent and the Logan County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) Assistant partnered to offer a program to address factors contributing to local obesity rates in Logan County. 

The program was held at the Logan County Wellness Center and focused on educating limited resource clients in the areas of physical activity and proper nutrition by having clients rotate through various interactive physical activity stations and nutrition education classes at the same time. Participants attended one hour sessions two times per week for a total of four weeks. During each session the SNAP-Ed Assistant would teach a nutrition lesson from the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum supplied by the University of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program. Participants gained knowledge on MyPlate, serving sizes, calorie recommendations, meal planning and budgeting, reading labels and food safety practices. Each week clients were provided folders with nutrition handouts, recipes and physical activity tips.  

The program was successful by showing increased percentages in several areas. Sixty-four percent increased diet quality by eating more fruits and vegetables and 67% increased their physical activity. Fifty percent reported an increased regarding food safety practices. Seventy percent increased behaviors in meal planning, making shopping list, cooking at home more often and looking in their pantry. Participants enjoyed gaining knowledge while utilizing the wellness center and requested additional Nutrition Education Program and Cooperative Extension Service programs in the future.