Micah and Jasmine increased the physical activity and decreased unhealthy eating habits of 9 children in the Macon County area. This was an expansion of a 2016-2017 Schweitzer project. The Fellows hosted weekly sessions, where they educated the children on healthy food options, gardening, and engaged the participants in weekly physical activity. The participants were also involved in a gardening competition, where they received 2^nd place for their crops and knowledge about how they were grown. Micah and Jasmine also worked with the participants’ families to deliver healthy food options for them to try.

As a result of the program:

• 8 out of 9 children showed an improvement in fruit and vegetable recognition via a pre- and post-test. 1 child was unable to be re-evaluated due to unavailability.
• 9 out of 9 children showed a 100% increase in their physical activity levels via pedometer scores.

This project will be sustained by upcoming 5^th Year students in the Occupational Therapy Department. These students plan to shift the focus of the project to healthy meal preparation.

“The greatest lesson I was taught through this experience was that the best way to incite a change in the world, is by you yourself, stepping up and becoming that changing force.” — Jasmine B. Grayson, OTS

“Seeing the excitement and enthusiasm that each child possessed was perhaps the most rewarding feeling of it all. The warming, yet educational atmosphere these children were able to interact in, made it all the better.” -Micah Thomas, OTS