According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Kentucky has one of the highest prevalence for pediatric obesity in the nation. Approximately 33.5% of Kentucky children ages 10-17 years are considered overweight or obese. To combat high obesity rates for elementary school children the Warren County 4-H Youth Development agents presented 292 lessons focusing on nutrition and physical activity. Over the past seven months the agents have educated over 1800 children in kindergarten through sixth grades resulting in over 300 hours of instruction. The educational lessons emphasized MyPlate, the importance of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, foods to enrich calcium intake, and physical activity. Post surveys show that 44% of participants ate fruit everyday compared to only 34% at the beginning of the program, 81% of all Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders can correctly identify foods and place them in the correct food group and at least 63% is asking their parents to purchase their favorite fruits or vegetables.

Agents also conducted two Super Star Chef Camps over summer that lasting three days each with a total of thirty-seven 2nd -8th graders participating in the camps.  During the camps students learn how to read a recipe, proper way to chop fruits/vegetables, and tried new recipes.  By participating in the camp 82% learned how to measure ingredients and read recipes correctly.  After participating in the Super Star Chef Camp one grandmother commented that her granddaughter now loves to cook and try new recipes.  She also fixes one dinner time meal by herself each week for the family.

The Warren County Extension Agents and SNAP-ED Assistants have provided over 650 nutrition educations hours back to the citizens of Warren County along with reaching 3,500 youth and adults.  These programs have been held at local farmer’s markets, schools, community centers, and other educational centers