INCREASING CHILDREN'S FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION

In Ballard County, children are not getting enough fruits and vegetables in their diets, nor are they getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. In the spring, the Ballard County Cooperative Extension service partnered with Ballard County Schools to educate 97 second-grade students on the importance of having a balanced diet and getting enough exercise. Cooperative Extension professionals and volunteers, presented lessons from the "From Farm to Table," "Literacy and Eating for Primary Health," and "Professor Popcorn" curricula. Results indicated that 85 percent of students knew the correct amount of vegetables and fruits to consume each day for good health. Ninety-five percent said they planned to ask their parents to provide more fruits and vegetables in their meal planning.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Ballard county, please click the link.