Lawrence County EFNEP (Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program) Assistant partnered with Family Resource Center Directors (FRC) from five (5) Lawrence County schools to offer the “Healthy Choices for Every Body” curriculum. The FRC Directors were looking for a series that would address nutrition, overall health, family mealtime, quick and easy nutritious meals at home, food safety and strategies for increasing physical activity. According to the handout Home Is Where the Health Is (FSC7-188) “You teach by example. Children grow and thrive in a happy home.” By helping parents improve life skills, we help the child(ren) in the home too.

A series of seven (7) lessons were presented at each school. Each participant learned the following: the importance of eating balanced meals by using the MyPlate method; food safety practices; the importance of eating breakfast; how to read labels to limit sugars/fats and sodium in the diet; and how to eat better on a budget.  As a result of these classes, 100% of participants showed improvement with a positive food change; used coupons for food purchases; and showed improvement in one or more physical activity behaviors.  In addition, 92% used a written weekly/monthly food spending plan and used a meat thermometer more often.   Lastly, 83% used the “Nutrition Facts” on food labels to make healthy food choices, and 75% drink regular soda less often. Each participant received a Thanksgiving food basket sponsored by FRC for participating in the “Healthy Choices for Every Body” classes. Twelve (12) participants were enrolled and successfully graduated from EFNEP.