Grant County KY has an Adult obesity rate of 35.6% and a physical activity rate of 30.2%. The Grant County NEP and FCS programs worked together to offer 12 weeks of classes using Healthy Choices, Weight the Reality Series and Simple Steps to Health and Wealth curriculums to help Grant County 15 limited resource adults improve their nutrition and be more active. 

The local Body Works gym offered free membership through the program, and discounts to anyone who wanted to join later, offered a personal training session at the gym with access to the equipment and physical activity classes. As a result of the program, 86% exercised at least 30 minutes per day and 80% made small changes to be more active. 

During the nutrition classes, participants practiced portion control and food safety while preparing recipes with less calories and more fruits and vegetables as well as budgeting and meal planning as a group. The group was encouraged to eat a variety of healthy foods and reduce the intake of food high in calories and sodium. 

All of the participants made a positive change in consumption of one or more food groups with 73% increasing their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables and 50 % now plan meal before shopping.    

The group began to encourage each other and make the new recipes they prepared in class. One client stated, “I’m eating more vegetables than ever and I rarely go through the drive through anymore.” Another stated, “I make breakfast at home all of the time now.” In addition, three members of the group have volunteered to share their skills with our counties youth at the upcoming Recipe for Life program.