besity rates in both children and adults have steadily increased over the past two decades. Currently, nearly 33 percent of children in the U.S. are either overweight or obese. For adults, that percentage increases to nearly 70 percent. Kentucky State University's Center for Family Nutrition and Wellness Education works to share research-based information about healthy living to communities across the state.
Kentucky State University collaborates with the Food and Nutrition Service to ensure that those eligible for nutrition assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can make informed, educated nutritional decisions. From October to December 2017, over 280 adults and over 1,400 youth from six different Kentucky counties were enrolled in Kentucky State University SNAP-Education (SNAP-Ed) programs. SNAP-Ed programs address a variety of wellness topics, including budgeting, healthy cooking classes, proper food safety procedures, exercise and how to apply for benefits.
Along with SNAP-Ed efforts, Kentucky State University's Land Grant Program also works to reduce food insecurity throughout the Commonwealth. Over 230,000 children in Kentucky may not know where they will get their next meal. In summer 2017, KYSU started a mobile summer feeding route, which provided two meals a day to children at various stops in Henry County, Ky., a population that did not have summer feeding prior to this program. Kentucky State University's Cooperative Extension Program will continue this feeding initiative in summer 2018. To increase participation in this food distribution, nutrition Extension staff renovated and branded a vehicle that will be easily recognizable for participants. Extension personnel will increase the number of stops to include four additional locations in Franklin County.
where they will get their next meal. In summer 2017, KYSU started a mobile summer feeding route, which provided two meals a day to children at various stops in Henry County, Ky., a population that did not have summer feeding prior to this program. Kentucky State University's Cooperative Extension Program will continue this feeding initiative in summer 2018. To increase participation in this food distribution, nutrition Extension staff renovated and branded a vehicle that will be easily recognizable for participants. Extension personnel will increase the number of stops to include four additional locations in Franklin County.
Even with community outreach to educate Kentucky communities about nutrition, the Cooperative Extension Program acknowledges that change must start on campus. KSU F1RST, a program developed to encourage university faculty and staff to live healthier lifestyles, is an integral part of the Land Grant Program's nutrition education and research initiatives. This initiative offers nutrition education and strategic personal training to any faculty, staff or student who joins KSU F1RST. Basic nutrition, sports nutrition, cooking and food budgeting classes will help participants improve their diets, health and performance.
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