In Pulaski County the Nutrition Education Program Assistant meets monthly with some of the mothers in the AIM (Abortion Intervention Ministries) Program. Through the meetings the AIM Group shared that they find it challenging to prepare a meal for their families. They often run out and pick up fast food meals that are quick, easy and affordable for them. When doing this, it cuts into their food budget and often fails to meet the healthier nutritional needs of their families. Statistics show that only 8% of people in Pulaski County get their intake of 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Choosing to eat fast foods is often associated with eating fewer fruits and vegetables.

Through attending the Nutrition Education Program classes offered at the Pulaski County Extension Office, the AIM mothers learn about the nutritional benefits of choosing foods from the My Plate. They learn how to plan out a meal for their family using the My Plate as a guide. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant planned a food demonstration during a class so that she could allow the moms to assist in the meal preparation. The moms found that the Tex-Mex Fajitas NEP Recipe was an easy, quick and affordable meal they could make at home. They r realized the colorful vegetables, whole grains and low fat meat within the meal was a healthy meal choice for their family. AIM moms have learned that limiting fast food intake and eating prepared meals at home is one way they can get more fruits and vegetables in their diets and improve the eating habits and overall health of their families.