An adult Nutrition Education Program group with 6 female participants was held at one of the eight Family Health Centers in Jefferson County. Lessons were presented by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Educator (SNAP-Ed) with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service using the “Healthy Choices for Every Body” curriculum, which focused around seven core lessons. Out of the population of 760,026 people, 16.8% are below the poverty level, which made it clear that food budgeting needed to be addressed and implemented. During the discussion portion of the Breakfast Lesson, all of the clients shared they did not consume breakfast in the morning because they were never hungry when first waking up, did not know convenient foods to consume, and were not used to budgeting breakfast into the diet. Throughout the discussion period, it was made clear budgeting and breakfast should be the main focus for this particular group.

                The participants were able to practice and prepare recipes in class, which would then translate into their own kitchen. One recipe used was the whole-grain strawberry pancakes, which substituted yogurt and strawberries in for syrup and provided a budget friendly breakfast meal. This ended up reducing the sugar intake and increased consumption of dairy and fruit. Each of the participants were also able to apply information learned in class to real-life applications, such as comparing food prices (brand names versus non-brand names) to choose cheaper groceries at the store.

                After the seven core lessons were completed, 83% of the participants cooked their main meals at home more times a week, and 67% of the participants planned meals more often before shopping. One of the participants felt she gained so much valuable information from the lectures and the food demonstrations, she recommended a friend to come to the program!