Healthy Choices for Every Body is essentially the core and basis of the Nutrition Education Program. The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught this curriculum weekly at the Butler County Extension Office to a group of likeminded individuals. The group consisted of a variety of ages; preteen to over the age of 60. Although diverse ages and backgrounds they formed a bond and support group. The efforts of the NEP assistant, and this group continues. This class brought forth changes in each individual and within the Butler County Extension Office Nutrition Education Program by continuing to offer this class weekly on site.

The class met once a week for the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum. The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught and prepared a dish for sampling each session. Due to said efforts and willingness, motivation, and readiness to learn much was accomplished. 100% showed a positive change in any one food group at exit, and 100% showed improvement in one or more areas of food safety, and 83% showed improvement of food resource management in at least one area. This manifested as over 65 pounds of weight loss, a walking support group, sharing of ideas and recipes, cooking more at home, adding milk back to someone’s diet, providing healthy food to their children, and no less important, shared their experiences with others.

Through word of mouth, sharing pictures of what they prepared for dinner through group texts and social media the class continues to this day. Although these clients have completed the program, new clients enroll. These individuals continue to inspire others with their stories from yoga classes to kickboxing, thus fulfilling the mission of the Nutrition Education Program initiatives. To share knowledge and promote Healthy Choices for Every Body.

The Butler County Cooperative Extension Service, The Butler County Nutrition Program Assistant, The Butler County Family and Consumer Science Agent, and community members worked together to accomplish this endeavor that continues to date.