As of March 2024, 602,521 individuals in Kentucky were recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), (USDA FNS, 2024). The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) provides educational programming and resources to limited resource adults and youth that are participating in or eligible for SNAP. NEP Assistants lead programs utilizing evidence-based curriculum with a focus on improving food resource management skills, dietary quality, food safety practices and physical activity of participants.

To continue expanding programming across the state, in October 2023, eleven NEP Assistants were hired and trained to deliver nutrition education throughout Fayette, Jefferson (3), Boone, Boyle, LaRue, Nelson, Wolfe, Franklin and Shelby Counties. They attended a series of training over their orientation period focused on program delivery, evidence-based curriculum, evaluation, and reporting. As part of the onboarding process, Senior NEP Assistants also provided training and mentorship to new NEP Assistants, which fostered a mutually beneficial relationship and opportunities for Seniors to gain new leadership skills.

In a training evaluation survey, 100% of respondents agreed that they understood the duties and responsibilities of their new position as an NEP Assistant. Six months after the training and orientation period was complete, new NEP Assistants had enrolled 215 adults and 780 youth in their nutrition education programs throughout the state. This investment in staff is contributing to improvements in the health and well-being of limited resource Kentuckians throughout the state.