The Kentuckian family spends $254.57 on groceries per week, according to the HelpAdvisor website. Retail food prices partially reflect farm-level commodity prices. Still, other costs of bringing food to market (such as processing and retailing) are more significant in determining prices on supermarket shelves. U.S. food at home prices increased 5% in 2023 compared to 2022. With prices at the grocery store on the rise, Casey County educators sought ways to help the community. The Casey County Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program assistant collaborated with the Casey County Detention Center to offer nutrition classes to incarcerated women. The program was implemented using the University of Kentucky's research-based nutrition curriculum, Healthy Choices for Every Body. The curriculum teaches food resource management skills, including topics such as cooking dinner at home, comparing food prices, planning meals before shopping, checking cupboards & refrigerator before shopping, making a shopping list, using coupons or store reward programs, using a monthly food spending plan, budgeting for food for the month, and checking before and at the store for items on sale for shopping.   

At the completion of the program, participants report: 

• 86% are using a weekly or monthly food spending plan 

• 81% can budget enough money for food.  

• 76% are planning meals and making a shopping list. 

• 62% check for coupons and food items on sale before and while shopping.  

• Over 50% check to see what they have at home before shopping.  

These simple yet effective skills will help save on monthly food expenses. By utilizing what they already have, participants will save additional money and reduce food waste in the home.  

A few of the women said, "They can't wait to be more organized in the kitchen and with finances for food." They also said, "They wanted to stop spending money on things they do not use or eat in their cupboards." This sense of community and support is crucial in their journey towards better food resource management. It's not just about learning new skills; it's about feeling connected and supported in their efforts to make positive changes in their lives.