Success StoryPass the Peas and Peaches Please!



Pass the Peas and Peaches Please!

Author: Joel Worth

Planning Unit: Jefferson County CES

Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Yes, studies have shown that most people eat way too much saturated fats, sugar, and sodium and do not get their daily amounts of fruits and vegetables. A rehabilitation house for men in Jefferson County participated in the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program through the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service.  The program: Eating Healthy for Everybody was offered and lessons on MY Plate and Knowing the Limits were taught. The benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables were discussed as well and reducing the daily amounts for saturated fats, sugar and sodium. A fresh Kale, Raisin, and Almond Salad with a Lemon Vinaigrette was prepared by the group.

Twenty three men graduated from the program and after analyzing the data there was an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption by 65%.  The data also showed a decrease in the group’s daily calorie intake from eating foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. The Calorie intake from eating these foods decreased from 468.1 to 267.4, for an 83% positive change. After studying the amount of sugar that is in soda and other sweetened  beverages, clients  told the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education Assistant  that they have cut down on sugary drinks and snacks that are high in saturated fats, sugar, and sodium and are eating more fruit and vegetables and drinking more water.  One client who is diabetic informed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education Assistant that after he completed the program, his sugar levels went from over 1400 down to 120 with the help of eating a healthier diet and getting more exercise.






Stories by Joel Worth


Know the Limits: Water GOOD, Sugary Drinks BAD

about 6 years ago by Joel Worth

Studies taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website (www.cdc.gov/nutrition/dat... Read More


Food Safety, Better Safe than Sorry!

about 6 years ago by Joel Worth

Food Safety has always been important, especially here and now in Jefferson County with the outbreak... Read More


Stories by Jefferson County CES


Preserving Produce and Health in Jefferson County

Preserving Produce and Health in Jefferson County

about 5 years ago by Caroline Durr

A 2018 report from the Community Foundation of Louisville and the Lift a Life Foundation, found that... Read More


Americana Blossoms!

Americana Blossoms!

about 5 years ago by Patrice Thompson

Americana Blossoms! Last year, while working with an environmental science club: “the green team”. ... Read More