LINCOLN COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) - A healthy youth initiative led by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, or TSET, is helping younger Oklahomans learn how to live healthier lives through reduced tobacco use and improved nutrition. Gina McVey is a family support coordinator through the Lincoln Coun ty Partnership for Well-Being. Throughout April, McVey will lead the "Swap Up" program, encouraging students to embrace movement, build healhy habits, and make wellness fun, thanks to a state TSET grant devoted to preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease. McVey will not only hand out healthy snacks to students in Lincoln County schools, she will also help to provide students and their families with vital resources that extend far beyond the classroom. "It's very heartbreaking. I mean, it just breaks my heart," said McVey of the vast need she's seen in rural students and their families. She tells News 4, "We come alongside the school, teachers, families and students to meet any need that is keeping them from thriving.  We mentor, provide free outside counseling, educate and provide resources.  We provide clothing, meals, warm blankets, heaters, help students get qualified for Sooner Care or disability, take them to doctor appointments, tutoring - there is no need that gets turned down." McVey says the need is great not just in Lincoln County, but across the entire state of Oklahoma. TSET recently provided several healthy food options and snacks to students in Pre-K through 5th grade at Wellston Elementary School. McVey helped hand out the healthier options to dozens of smiling students. OKC Zoo launches initiative to dim lights for migrating birds "They provided them with a gift card to purchase some of the food items, and they are encouraging the students here at Wellston. They also worked with Wellston Middle School and High School to encourage them to 'swap up' an unhealthy item for a healthy item," said Sheri Ripley with TSET. Wellston School Nurse Jessica Todd says the program is instilling healthy choices in students that will have a lasting impact. "We want them to think back and remember that the teachers and the nurses that planted seeds for them, and hopefully someday think, 'I do know how to make a healthy choice. I do know what will create longevity and good health for the future,'" said Todd. Todd continued, "The need is huge in rural Oklahoma for the whole child. So, not only their health, but their home life, their parents, a lot of education needs that just aren't available out here in rural Oklahoma. We don't have just endless resources close." McVey says the Lincoln County Partnership for Child Well-Being is keeping daily data to show state lawmakers that there is a tremendous need. She is hoping to extend their initiative to all Oklahoma public schools. ...read more read less