Success StoryHealthy Choices for a Fresh Start



Healthy Choices for a Fresh Start

Author: Jacqui Denegri

Planning Unit: Fayette County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Initial Outcome

In 2022 the senior program assistant for the Nutrition Education Program for Fayette County reached out to the Hope Center, a comprehensive addiction treatment program that offers detox, shelter, and long-term rehabilitation to individuals facing addiction. Together they offered nutrition education programming for parents in recovery who had recently completed an in-patient rehabilitation program. Participants met weekly with the agent and completed the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum covering topics such as meal planning, food resource management and following the United States Department of Agricultures “My Plate” guidelines. 

    According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there are four pillars to successful long-term recovery. The first two are “ensuring long term health” and “creating a stable home life”. Both of these goals are also pillars of the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum. Participants’ progress were measured by a series of evaluations administered at the beginning and the end of the course. Upon completion of the course, 24 out of 26 participants (92%) had improved in one or more food resource management practices. This list includes cooking meals at home, budgeting, meal planning and keeping a food inventory. These skills will have an immediate effect on their lives, making their food dollars go further and increasing the nutritional value of their diet as they cook at home in place of dining out. Creating these healthy habits this early into their recovery provides a solid foundation for them to continue building their new lives.







Stories by Jacqui Denegri


Fighting Food Insecurity with Education

about 1 years ago by Jacqui Denegri

In 2023 the senior program assistant for the Fayette County Nutrition Education Program began workin... Read More


Keeping Produce Popular in Kentucky Schools

about 1 years ago by Jacqui Denegri

According to a 2011 National Academy of Sciences report, while needing 2 cups offiuit and 3 cups of ... Read More


Stories by Fayette County CES


Planning Ahead: Estate Planning and Financial Education Building Toolkit series

Planning Ahead: Estate Planning and Financial Education Building Toolkit series

about 3 months ago by Maranda Brooks

Research suggests that more than 50% of Americans think estate planning is important, but only 33% h... Read More


Take a Load off Laundry Workshop w/ MCV for SAFY and Voices of Hope

Take a Load off Laundry Workshop w/ MCV for SAFY and Voices of Hope

about 4 months ago by Maranda Brooks

The World Health Organization defines life skills as “the abilities for adaptive and positive behavi... Read More