Diet quality is an important system of measurement in nutritional research. It is used to investigate links between an overall dietary pattern in a population and as well as predicting health outcomes in individuals. It’s no secret that a healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. According to the USDA, many households experience food insecurity at times during the year, meaning their access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources. The Supplemental Nutrition Education Program aims to increase diet quality by providing low-income households access to food for a healthy diet, as well as nutrition education.

This year the Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program partnered with the Mountain Center for Recovery and Hope rehabilitation center. The Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum was utilized. The participants were shown and educated on how to prepare inexpensive, nutritious meals for themselves. Often times, skepticism about adding a certain fruit or vegetable to an otherwise traditional recipe was usually met with comments like “Wow, I never would have thought that would taste so good in this recipe” or “I’m really surprised at how good this turned out”. Upon completion of the program, ninety-four percent of participants had improved diet quality. . Furthermore, 100 percent of participants drink regular soda less often, eats vegetables more often each day, as well as increased overall dairy consumption.