Cooking meals at home can help individuals eat healthier by consuming fewer carbohydrates, less sugar and less fat (John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, 2014).  Many of the men in substance recovery programs are single and they chose to eat fast food because it is fast and convenient, and some have never cooked. Having them cook healthy recipes in groups is a great introduction to learning how to follow recipes and gaining the confidence to cook their own meals. 

A seven-week program using the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum was presented by a Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) Assistant for SNAP eligible individuals at a men’s substance recovery group in Jefferson County.  The program provided education related to nutrition, food resource management, food safety, portion control, and physical activity. The SNAP-Ed. Assistant shared with the group that cooking meals at home saves money, is healthier, helps with weight management, and is a fantastic way to spend quality time with family while preparing and eating together. 

The group of twelve men, ranging in age from 21 to 55 years old, prepared a One Pot Cheesy Spaghetti recipe and one client stated after tasting the dish, “My kids will love this and I can’t wait to make it with them.” When[DA1]  the program began, 50% of the class met the requirements for cooking meals at home. When the program was completed, the data showed that 92% of the group stated they would be cooking more at home.