Success Story LEAP - YOUTH

Calloway County reports 23% of children in poverty, according to The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings and Roadmaps website. The Nutrition Education Program assistant of Calloway County delivered the Literacy, Eating and Activity for Primary (LEAP) youth curriculum to a local school district. A total of 11 groups with 228 youth, participated of the program. Four groups with a total of 84 students completed the six hour lessons. Seven groups with 144 youth completed five hour lessons. Of the 84 youth who completed the program, 32% showed a behavior change toward identifying a healthier snacks and 55% showed improvement in washing their hands before they ate. The youth were read story books related to nutrition, well-being, healthy choices and foods from different cultures. Each participant received a parent newsletter, related to the book, to take home in order to engage and inform their families about healthy eating. Recipes were demonstrated in the groups and an opportunity to prepare and taste food were made available.