Working with adults in Crittenden County for my first year as a Nutrition Education Program Assistant has been a learning experience. While teaching I like to express to my audience that we can all learn something new including myself. And if we take just one of those things and make small changes, we can accomplish a lot in the long run.

I noticed when starting classes within the county everyone is nonstop busy. This could be from our jobs in general or our home life. The kids of Crittenden County, however, are just as busy with sports and so many options for extra-curricular activities. The drive-thru and sit-down restaurants in Marion stay in business with all the on-the-go families.

So, I decided to emphasize the benefits of pre-planning meals and eating at home. Pre planning meals and writing out a grocery list helps you when shopping at the grocery store by getting just what you need and not overspending. This also helps you know exactly what you are having each night, so you don’t eat out. When you know you will be home late plan crockpot meals or precook meals to heat up that night.

This lesson showed 93% of participants had improved in one or more food resource management practices. This can be cooking dinner at home or comparing food prices while planning meals before shopping. Doing these small steps makes a big difference in your family dynamic. When families have the opportunity to sit down together and eat together, we stay connected.