According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 7.7 % of people in Kentucky aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder. The McCracken County SNAP-Ed assistant was able to partner with Lifeline Recovery Centers women’s campus to promote a healthier lifestyle using the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum. The SNAP-Ed assistant held three separate series providing seven sessions each time. Lessons included topics on My Plate, Knowing the Limits of fats, sugars and sodium, Food Safety and Eating Better on a Budget.

Upon completion of the Healthy Choices for Everybody series 

• 55% were comparing prices on food more often and were checking cupboards and planning meals before shopping
• 73% were using a meat thermometer, washing hands, and not thawing frozen foods at room temperature
• 75% said they ate more fruit each day 
• 83% made small changes to be more active 
• 91% made a written spending plan weekly or monthly 

Along with the classroom education the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed assistant was assisted by the Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources along with the Horticulture Assistant. Participants in the series maintained a raised bed garden that grew tomato and pepper plants.  The garden was maintained by participants at the residence who used the produce in recipes provided by the Nutrition Education Program.