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Improving Youth Health in Oklahoma

Oklahoma ranks 50th in overall child health including 46th in overweight and obese youth.
Healthy behaviors of children are associated with higher academic achievement. The CNEP Youth Program includes a variety of nutrition education offerings which focus on improving healthy behaviors of Oklahoma children. Our goal is to give our youth the best chance at academic success while also encouraging healthy habits they can use for the rest of their lives.
Through partnerships and collaboration, the CNEP Youth Program reaches approximately 40,000 youth each year across the state of Oklahoma. The age-appropriate, researched-based nutrition curriculum focuses on flagship health issues directly affecting our Oklahoma youth. From topics about the food groups to their digestion system to reading food labels and food safety, children learn in an interactive environment while having fun.

2025 Outcomes Information from 3,779 youth participants

81%
improved diet quality behaviors
53%
improved food safety behaviors
43%
improved their physical activity
47%
improved food resource management behaviors

Youth Programs

CATCH
CATCH, or the Coordinated Approach to Child Health, is a comprehensive nutrition curriculum for elementary students. The curriculum is taught by a trained Nutrition Education Assistant (NEA) during the school day. Through a variety of teaching strategies, students learn important information about food, nutrition, physical activity, and how to overcome barriers in making healthy choices. Age-appropriate content, activities and handouts make learning about healthy eating fun for students in all grade levels.
Farm to You
Farm to You is a 40 by 40 foot walk-through exhibit consisting of nine stations. Developed by Community Nutrition Education Programs (CNEP), Farm to You is designed to provide first through sixth grade students with the skills needed to make healthy lifestyle choices. As they travel through the exhibit, students will learn about the relationships between agriculture, food and health. We now offer Farm to You virtually in addition to our traditional program!
KIK It Up!
KIK It Up! is an afterschool and summer program for ages 6-15 years. Youth are given the opportunity to learn essential nutrition concepts and engage in fun physical activities. Because youth involved in preparing meals are more likely to eat more nutrient-rich foods, KIK It UP! empowers participants by teaching hands-on, age-appropriate snack recipes they can make at home.
Teen Cuisine
Teen Cuisine is a hands-on cooking program that teaches students in grades 6-12 important life skills for eating smart, which will stay with them as they grow into adults. Lessons cover how to choose healthy foods and prevent foodborne illnesses. With a cooking demonstration in each lesson, students learn by doing.