Building relationships and trust while in recovery can be difficult for those living with addiction. The lack of proper nutrition was evident upon first visit to the New Day Recovery Center. Available to the clients were unhealthy snacks such as chips, sugary drinks, high fat and high cholesterol foods with no fruits or veggies readily available.

The Senior Nutrition Education Program Assistant introduced The Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum to a group of 43 men who also received a copy of the 2023 NEP Calendar. As they viewed the recipes, 25 clients suggested trying four recipes which sparked the interest of the rest of the group. By working together to learn food safety practices, proper food storage, cooking food to the appropriate temperature while using a meat thermometer and keeping utensils clean and sanitized participants developed team building and trust. As a bonus they were able to try some new foods and recipes. Recipes such as Skillet Pork Chop and Peaches, Rainbow Pasta Salad were prepared with the overall favorite being Cajun Seasoned Fish and Rice.

As the importance of nutrition was discussed, lessons on whole grains, adding vegetables and fruits as snacks, healthy proteins, and physical activity were taught to elicit positive behavior change. 80% of the participants showed improvement in one or more diet quality indicators while 85% showed improvement in one or more food resource management practices. Food safety was a favorite topic amongst the group which is evidence by 100% of participants showing improvement in one or more food safety practices.

Quotes:

“ I have learned about cross contamination proper temperatures to kill bacteria of different foods, examples, Chicken, Pork, Beef, Fish and how utensils must be cleaned or new ones used when changing stations of food, effective team work and communications skills to navigate around the kitchen safely and efficiently while working as a unit. “

“I have learned about knife safety, handling, chopping, and keeping separate from other dishes to prevent serious cuts. I have learned how good nutrition plays a part with healthy meals with meats, veggies, and whole grains.”

“I have learned to work well with others, to make food with care and precision to prevent cross contamination and to measure ingredients properly for each recipe. I have learned to wear gloves also not to touch cooked food with frozen food and proper nutrition keeps everyone safe.”