Healthy Choices for EveryBody in Henderson County

Rohdene Rollins-SNAP-Ed Assistant

According to Map the Meal Gap an estimated 7,280 individuals were food insecure in Henderson County. Only 13% of adults in Henderson County consumed five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The SNAP Assistant (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) of the Henderson County Extension Service partnered  with Christian Outreach Food Pantry, WARM(Women’s Addiction Recovery Manor), Father Bradley’s Women Shelter, St. Joseph, Aislynn and Woodsview Apts. and presented The Healthy Choices for EveryBody curriculum to the  groups in the Henderson County community. Eighty- seven percent (99 of 114) of participants showed improvement in one or more food resource management practices. They learned to cook dinner at home, compare food process, plan meals before shopping, look in refrigerator or cupboard before shopping, or make a list before shopping. Eighty nine percent (102 of 114) of the participants showed improvement in one or more food safety practices which included; washing hands before preparing food, washing all items and surfaces after cutting raw meat or seafood, not thawing frozen food at room temperature, or using a meat thermometer. The SNAP Assistant provided food demonstrations that allowed the groups to sample the recipes that went with each lesson. The SNAP Assistant continues to do programs in the community.