This is the first year the Pike County Cooperative Extension Service Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) partnered with Shelby Valley Veterans Transitional Housing to provide nutritional classes to the veterans that are housed there. 

Transitional housing is affordable, supportive housing designed to provide services for up to two (2) years for veterans who are homeless or close to homelessness. During this time the staff assist the veterans’ with many different services so they are able to re-enter society more self-sufficient.  Some of the services provided at the transitional housing facility vary from substance abuse treatment, to psychological assistance, job training, domestic violence assistance, etc. 

 The Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum was used to educate the veterans on how to plan meals for one or two people and how to shop with a grocery list. They also learned the importance of reading food labels to better their health and watch their diet restrictions, how to read a recipe, the difference between a liquid measuring cup and dry measuring cup, and how to use a knife properly for chopping and slicing. Food safety was also discussed and all the veterans’ learned why it is so important to defrost food on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator and not on the counter or in a sink full of water. The importance of hand-washing was also discussed.

Nine veterans entered the program and after completing the program, eight graduated. One veteran was able to move into his own home after completing his stay at the Veterans’ Home. He said, “I’m sad to be leaving at this time that you are here because I have learned a lot in a short time, but, I’m also glad to be moving out on my own, and with the skills you have taught me so far I believe I can be a productive citizen in my community.”

Of the 90% that graduated, 87% improved on eating more fruit and vegetables and drinking less sugary drinks; 100% improved on daily exercise; and 81% improved on food safety methods. In addition, 82%  improved on resource management skills by preparing more dinners at home, comparing food prices, planning meals, checking their storage spaces and making a grocery list before going shopping. 

One veteran said he felt better since he had started exercising more and drinking more water instead of so many energy drinks.