The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians. Fourteen (14) percent of Breckinridge County respondents identified fewer chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as a priority during the Kentucky Extension Community Assessment. Obese individuals are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. The obesity rate in Kentucky increased 90 percent over the last 15 years. Thirty-seven percent of Breckinridge County adult and youth citizens are considered obese. In addition, thirty percent of individuals in the Commonwealth report no leisure-time physical activity, as well as, thirty-eight percent locally. 

Increased consumption of unhealthy food, stress, and built environments that promote physical inactivity are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic. As a result, Kentuckians are dying from heart disease and cancer at higher rates than all Americans and they have a lower life expectancy, 75.5 years, compared to 78 years for Americans. Minorities and individuals residing in Appalachia bear a heavier brunt of the obesity and chronic disease burden. 4 H Health programs incorporating nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellness help youth understand the importance of eating right and being active within a safe environment. Mastering basic health principles places young people on the right track to developing healthy habits now as well as managing their long-term health.

To address the rising obesity rate in Breckinridge County, the Breckinridge County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with two local elementary schools to provide nutrition education, physical activities, and mental health activities for youth in an afterschool setting. The Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development Education and Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the Cloverport Family Resource Youth Service Center coordinator and Irvington Elementary School teacher to provide two Wildcat Cooks After School Clubs, teaching nutrition education, physical activity, and mental wellness activities. 

Due to covid-19, the program was provided in a hybrid model to 25 youth. Extension staff recorded recipe demonstrations, nutrition lessons, kitchen safety lessons, 4-H stretches, and mental health lessons following Teen Cuisine curriculum, Mindful Me curriculum, and MyPlate. Youth watched the virtual lessons during after school club meetings and followed along with physical and mental health activities. Youth completed 6 hours of hands-on education. Each youth received club project kits with recipe cards, 4-H stretching books, and mental health activities (e.g. water bead stress balls, mindfulness jars, candle making kits, appreciation cards, safety pinwheels). Youth were encouraged to try the recipes at home with their families and report their experiences with each recipe to the club. 

The Wildcat Cooks After School Clubs were evaluated with formal NEP entrance and exit surveys. After completing the afterschool program, 54% of youth increased their fruit consumption during snack time, 54% of youth consumed more vegetables during lunchtime, 46% of youth decreased soda or pop intake, and 54% of youth increased their frequency AND duration of physical activity. Informal evaluation including volunteer feedback indicated youth felt less stress and anxious following the Wildcat Cooks program. In addition, youth were observed implementing mindfulness and stress-relieving techniques during the school day to manage their mental health.  

The nutrition education, physical activity, and mental health activities during the Wildcat Cooks After School Clubs have positively impacted lifestyle behaviors of local youth in Breckinridge County.