According to the most recent studies of 2011 21% of Kentucky youth ages 2 -17 are considered obese. Greenup Co. has an obesity rate of 31.9%. The obesity rate of Greenup County is higher than the state average. This results in an even higher risk of developing serious chronic diseases.

 In collaboration with Wurtland Preschool and the Greenup co. Extension services: The Snap- Ed assistant held a six week series that was provided to the students at Wurtland Preschool. 15 Students Participated in the series. The Snap Ed assistant utilized the LEAP Curriculum as the basis of the series. The Students participated in hands on learning and received literature about each food group as well as participated in physical activities. The students were also encouraged to be a part of the: “TWO-BITE” club, as a way to get them to try new foods that they had not ever been exposed to. All of the students participated in trying new foods. The students were also encouraged to go home and tell their families about the yummy new foods that they had been able to try.

  One parent stated that at the end of the school year that her four year old daughter had made such a huge impact on their eating habits as a family as a result of the program offered to her at school.  That she would come home so excited after anytime the Snap-Ed Assistant had been in the class room to tell her about the new fruits, or veggies that she had tried and that she wanted to go to the store so she could get some for her brother and sister to try. She even stated that they have even made it a habit to slow down and sit at the table as many nights as possible as a family and eat a home cooked meal.