The State of Childhood Obesity.Org shows 23.8% of Kentucky youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity, ranking Kentucky first among the 50 states and DC.

Nutrition education is required for students at Todd County Middle School (TCMS). The Todd County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant presented “Teen Cuisine” curriculum virtually to six Practical Living Classes at TCMS when students returned to in person classes in March, 2021. Students viewed lessons with the NEP assistant via Google Classroom and used laptops to complete surveys as well as access the Teen Cuisine Activity workbook.  The NEP Assistant shared Teen Cuisine prerecorded food demonstration videos, Wally Cat Smoothie recipes cards and referenced recipes from the Teen Cuisine Activity book.  Prior to the start date, the NEP Assistant provided supplies for a germ experiment; classroom posters about handwashing, food safety and Myplate; measuring spoons, cups and other kitchen tools to use during Teen Cuisine lesson demonstrations.   The TCMS Practical Living Teacher allowed students time after each lesson to examine items in small groups and work on experiments.  When students completed both the pre-test and post-test, they were able to select a kitchen item (apron, measuring cups, measuring spoons or ice pack) to take home and use.  

Summary from youth surveys showed:

• Diet Quality - 90% (87 of 97) Youth improved their abilities to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations or gained      knowledge.
• Food Safety - 64% (61 of 96) Youth used safe food handling practices more often or gained knowledge in food handling practices.
• Physical Activity - 65% (62 of 96) Youth improved their physical activity practices or gained knowledge.

Quote from the Practical Living Class teacher “I personally liked the program because it showed students how to make healthy recipes instead of simply giving them Myplate and saying, “Eat more fruits and veggies.” It was nice for the students to have a way to put into practice what they had learned.”  The teacher also noted that 10-12 students had tried smoothie recipes at home, and several said they were trying to eat healthier. The Todd County NEP Assistant hopes they will continue to practice lessons learned from Teen Cuisine.