Nutrition education has taken a monumental leap forward, thanks to the innovative efforts of the Washington County Nutrition Education Program and the Family Resource Center at North Washington County Middle School. The program, designed to improve food choices and promote safe food handling, has achieved remarkable success, with participants reporting significant improvements in their daily practices.

Before the program's introduction, many students at North Washington County Middle School struggled to align their food choices with the Federal Dietary Recommendations. Additionally, food safety practices were a concern, with many students lacking knowledge about proper handling techniques to prevent contamination and illness.

To tackle these challenges, the Washington County Nutrition Education Program implemented targeted strategies to empower students with the Organ Wise curriculum.  Students were taught how to choose nutritious foods based on the Federal Dietary Recommendations and received instruction on safe food handling techniques, ensuring that food preparation remained healthy and safe from start to finish.

Engagement activities that encouraged participants to apply what they learned in their everyday routines, making healthy choices feel achievable and sustainable. The success of the program was nothing short of remarkable. Over time, the initiative saw the following measurable results:

92% of participants reported improved abilities to select foods according to the Federal Dietary Recommendations. This transformation meant families were making healthier, more informed food choices that aligned with national nutrition standards.

77% of participants adopted safe food handling practices more frequently, significantly reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses in the community.