From aspiring scientists to athletes to artists, Kentucky’s K-12 students take steps, large and small, every day to reach their goals and succeed in the game of life. To pursue their passions, talents and dreams, they need a nutrient-packed, balanced diet to fuel their bodies and minds in order to perform at their best. Competing in the game of life without proper nutrition is like driving a vehicle without using proper gas and oil. Like that vehicle, their performance will be subpar, and their mind, body and spirit will slowly break down!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Only 13.2 percent of Kentucky youth eat fruits and vegetables five or more times a day. The national average is 21.4 percent.
40.5 percent of Kentucky students drink one or more sodas per day. The national average is 33.8 percent.
59 percent of American high school students skip breakfast three or more times a week.
37 percent of Kentucky youth are either obese or overweight.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has teamed up with former University of Kentucky star, 2008 U.S. Olympic gold medalist and current NBA player Tayshaun Prince to encourage Kentucky K-12 students to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their daily diets.
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Importance of Buying Local
Buying fresh, local, Kentucky Proud food products is good for our local communities, our health and the environment. Every time you and your family buy local food products, that money stays right here in Kentucky, which in turn helps your local and state economy, not to mention the family farms the products came from. Find more information on www.kyproud.com.
If produce is locally sourced, it has traveled fewer miles, which is better for the environment. The average food item travels an estimated 1,346 miles before it reaches a consumer’s table. Buying Kentucky Proud lowers our carbon footprint by reducing our food’s travel time and energy consumption. Fruits and vegetables from your community are crisp, flavorful and packed with essential vitamins and nutrients for you and your family. They often are sold within a day or two of purchase, near their peak of freshness, taste, texture and nutritional value.