Easy access to unhealthy foods, increased stress, and limited opportunities for physical activity all create challenges and barriers for Kentucky families in making healthy lifestyle choices. According to the 2021 data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps website, the adult obesity rate in Pulaski County is 37%, and physical inactivity is 33%. 

To address these concerns, the Pulaski County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Assistant conducted weekly and monthly programs to 65 limited resource families in Pulaski County. Using the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum, programs were conducted at the Pulaski County Senior Center, Lake Cumberland Housing Authority complexes, and Sky Hope Recovery Center. This program seeks to educate individuals and support behavior modifications that can help adults build healthy habits, improve nutritional intake, be more physically active, and develop the skills they need to implement health changes - all within the boundaries of a limited budget and resources. Each class included a cooking demonstration and tasting of a healthy recipe. 

Sixty-five of the participants completed 7 or more lessons to complete the program. Of those participants, over three fourths (80%) made a positive change in their nutrition (i.e., eating more fruits and vegetables), 86% plan meals in advance, 85% compare food prices more, and almost all (97%) increased physical activity by making small changes to be active more often. One participant commented "I learned a lot about shopping for groceries and how to wisely spend money at the store. When I go home, I am going to prepare better meals for my children and have them drink more water."