Describe the Issue or Situation.

RHOAR is a women’s residential recovery center in Bell County, where residents face numerous challenges, including social stigma and shame, trauma, mental health conditions, body image and food concerns. Recognizing the critical role of nutrition in supporting the recovery process, Bell County’s Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant partnered with the center to bring hope and practical skills to the women on their journey toward healing.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Through a series of engaging classes, participants learned about:

• The role of good nutrition during recovery.
• Common nutrition-related issues that may arise while in recovery.
• How preparing their own meals improves food choices, saves money, and provides a new skill to explore.
• Food safety using the four key steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill.
• Building balanced meals with MyPlate.
• Using food labels to guide healthier choices.
• Shifting toward nutrient-dense foods and limiting saturated fats, sodium, added sugars, and caffeine.
• Preparing budget-friendly meals to support both health and financial well-being.

The program not only taught practical skills but also emphasized how eating balanced meals and adding physical activity can strengthen the recovery process.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Thirty-five women completed the program, achieving remarkable results:

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

• 100% intend to use MyPlate to guide their meal choices.
• 97% plan to eat more fruit.
• 100% plan to increase their vegetable intake and choose healthier snacks.
• 72% intend to drink more water and caffeine-free beverages.
• 91% plan to choose drinks low in added sugar.
• 97% plan to be more physically active as part of their recovery journey.