As of May 2023, the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services reported that 256,060 Kentucky households were utilizing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, with those households including a total of 555,959 individuals. In addition to the financial assistance provided through SNAP, there is a need for education related to food resource management and nutrition/dietary quality. The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) at the University of Kentucky is comprised of two federal programs: SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) and EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program). A vital aspect of the program are the NEP Assistants, who provide nutrition education programming to limited resource youth and adults in their communities.

In FY 2023, 11 NEP Assistants were hired and trained to deliver nutrition education throughout 12 counties. They attended a series of training over their orientation period focused on program delivery, evidence-based curriculum, evaluation, and reporting. Additionally, three staff from Kentucky State University with nutrition education program responsibilities participated in the training series. The training series was updated to align with current best practices and recommendations in the field, as well as participant feedback. As part of the onboarding process, Senior NEP Assistants also provided training and mentorship to new NEP Assistants, a mutually beneficial relationship that provided opportunities for Seniors to fulfill their MJRs and gain new leadership skills.

By investing in the professional development of NEP Assistants, an investment is also being made into the communities they serve, as they work to improve the health and well-being of limited resources individuals throughout Kentucky.