According to The Gateway Foundation developing healthy eating habits are pivotal for people who are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction. Addiction takes a toll on the body which requires it to work extra hard to remove dangerous substances and protect itself against the damage the toxicants cause. Attaining nutritional balance is necessary in mending the harm addiction does to the body. To help address this issue the Wolfe County Cooperative Extension Service Senior Nutrition Assistant partnered with Specialty Courts, a program to give participants the opportunity to overcome substance use disorder and to make positive changes in their lives. Seven nutrition lessons where offered to participants using the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum. Participants learned that creating a balanced meal plan using My Plate is significant in improvement. Participants also learned that choosing foods low in fat and sodium, eating enough whole grains and fiber, and avoiding extra sugar among other lesson will teach them to use food as a healthy tool for rehabilitation.

 Of the 34 enrolled in the Healthy Choices for Every Body program 33 participants graduated. Participants had a 70% total increase in planning meals, and eating more fruits and vegetables which contributes to having the nutritional balance their body needs to mend the harm addiction creates. One participants stated, “I know I have a long way to go but I can already feel a difference after I started planning my meals and am eating balanced meals.” Another participants stated, I have learned that certain foods will provide me with vitamins, minerals, fiber and complex carbs that my body needs in order to begin recovering. With the help of this program I have been able to plan meals that include a variety of these foods so that I can heal.”