Spotlight Series: Fayette County

Our continuing "Spotlight Series": Fayette

Cooperative Extension Service provides a range of educational programming and activities to support the well-being of Kentuckians. One good example is in Fayette County where the UK College of Medicine in collaboration with Fayette County Extension and other community agencies formed a new partnership to address the high number of students in the 85th percentile of body mass index (BMI), putting them at risk for obesity. Fifty students from a limited resource elementary school were targeted based upon their highest BMI status. The project included workshops for students and parents focused on risk factors for obesity. Seventy percent of the students reduced daily calories and fat in diet; 70% tracked and increased activity; 100% increased sit down family meals; and 100% served vegetables daily. Ninety-five percent of students gained new health careers information with 85% indicating specific interest.

For more information about the needs of families in Fayette County and how UK Cooperative Extension is providing services, please click here to see the full Fayette County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Profile.