Limited resource families and individuals face many obstacles when trying to make healthy food choices, secure food, safely prepare and manage their food budget. The Nutrition Education Program in Kentucky addresses these needs with work done by paraprofessionals hired to teach basic nutrition in 91 of the 120 counties.During the past year, 34 new NEP paraprofessionals were hired, several in counties that have not had an NEP paraprofessional in many years.  These newly hired paraprofessionals were trained to deliver programs, conduct workshops and enroll families into the Nutrition Education Program.

Each NEP paraprofessional taught at least 56 limited resource participants a series of lessons on nutrition related topics over the course of the year.  Overall, para-professionals conducted nutrition lessons with 8,146 limited resource adult clientele, resulting in 5,445 participants graduating from the program. Reports show that 95% had a positive change in food consumption and food behavior change.  At graduation, 70% reported that they plan meals in advance and read food labels to make healthier choices.  In addition, NEP paraprofessionals taught more than 28,320 youth a series of 6 or more nutrition lessons, resulting in 85% reporting a positive change in nutrition knowledge.