During the 2023 program year an educator with the Fayette County Extension Office engaged with residents at The Hope Center, a peer driven, in-house recovery program for women. Through a series of interactive lessons the Extension agent taught the residents United States Department of Agricultures (USDA) food safety guidelines, basic kitchen skills and nutrition education. An evaluation was administered before and after the series to measure participant behavior change. Upon completion of the program 19 of the 23 students had improved in one or more aspects of food safety. This evaluation measures handwashing, food handling practices, and workstation cleanliness. 

According to the USDA 1 in 6 Americans get foodborne illness each year, with over 3000 cases annually resulting in death. Amongst those highest at risk are individuals with a compromised immune system due to previous medical conditions, a group which includes most of the individuals in this facility. The USDA also states that the best ways to combat foodborne illness is to use handwashing, proper food handling practices and sanitary standards when preparing meals, all of the skills learned by the residents. This is crucial as they are not only preparing their own food but are responsible for feeding each other, and eventually back to their homes to feed their families