Everyone sees prices continue to go up around us. One area hit the hardest is prices at the grocery store. The US Census Bureau ranks Kentucky as the 7^th poorest state in the United States with a poverty rate of 14.6%. Carroll County, Kentucky has a poverty rate of 18%. The national poverty rate is 11.4% for 2022. In addition, Carroll County has 16% of its population over 65 years of age. Due to these statistics the Carroll County Family & Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the Carroll County Senior Center to offer monthly nutrition lessons.

Fifteen people attended the class. The topic taught was on how to stretch your food dollars at the grocery store. Most participants live alone and receive monthly food assistance. A discussion was had about using coupons, making a grocery list and buying store-brand items as ways to save at the grocery store. An activity game was played where the participants had to guess the price of several food items. Many participants were surprised by the cost, but everyone agreed prices have gone up and think they will continue to rise. 

One participant stated he learned several new tips he would try out the next time he went to the grocery store. another participant said she would work on making a grocery list and stick to it when she went shopping.