Kentucky is the third most obese state for children in the country, with approximately 21% of youth overweight, according to the CDC. The SNAP-Ed Assistant at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service implemented her resources to educate youth in the area about the importance of decisions affecting their health. She reached out to the Family Resource Youth Services Coordinator at Morgan Elementary School to start an educational after school program with the school’s student ambassadors. These ambassadors consisted of twelve 4^th and 5^th grade students chosen to lead their respective classrooms and report back to the classroom to teach the other students. 

The sessions consisted of “My Plate” food and nutrition lessons along with important hands-on, life skill training. The nutrition education portion included basic kitchen skills such as hand washing, proper measuring techniques, food safety and how to read and understand food labels. Additionally, easy microwave cooking recipes were taught. Life skills were incorporated into each lesson, including time management, kid friendly budgeting, table manners and etiquette along with the importance of personal hygiene. 

The SNAP-Ed Assistant partnered with the 4-H Agent to teach these fun meals and skills to the students. They were intentional in their lesson plans, including fun healthy snacks, and food themed games using critical thinking. The knowledge and skills these youth gained from the program was evident in a pre and post survey to show growth. In three short months data showed students: 

·90% ate more fruits and vegetables as snacks then before 

·80% improved in the amount of fruit flavored & sport drinks consumed daily 

·80 % washed their hands more often than before 

·70% drank fewer soft drinks in three months 

·60% improved in non- homework screen times