Goodbye to Fast Foods

According to the Kentucky State Government Center for Statistics, 20.4% of Kentucky adults are considered living at or below the poverty level. The Board of Directors for a low-income senior housing complex contacted the Boyd County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) assistant expressing concern regarding poor dietary habits of the residents.  Of particular concern was that clients had found it easier to walk to the nearby fast-food restaurant instead of thinking about healthier meal choices.    Research shows that this type of behavior can lead to diseases such as obesity, diabetes, kidney, and heart disease.

The SNAP-Ed assistant partnered with the housing complex and taught weekly classes with the participants using the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum.   During the lessons, participants were given a plastic MyPlate to help guide them with planning their meals and eating from all food groups.  In addition, fresh vegetables were given to each residents with the stipulation they prepare/cook the vegetables and give a report during the next lesson.

As a result of participating in the seven (7) required lessons, all participants reported that now use the MyPlate plate as a tool for healthy meal planning because it is easier and simple to follow.  The data also showed that 10 of the 14 participants started planning healthier meals at home.   In addition, 11 out of 14 not only eat more vegetables, but also a variety of vegetables.  One gentlemen stated that he went to the grocery store that is in walking distance to the complex instead of  the fast food restaurant where he always ate.