Substance abuse generally leads to a lack of proper nutrition, either as a result of not eating enough throughout the day or eating foods that are low in necessary nutrients. . Research clearly states a well balanced diet with proper quantities of foods cannot be overemphasized. The National Institute on drug abuse states as of February 2018, Kentucky is among the top ten states with the highest opioid related overdose deaths

The Nutrition Education Program, SNAP Education Assistant teamed up with a local Men’s Recovery Center to teach a series of nutrition lessons. The lessons focused on meal planning, eating the proper portions of food, food safety, and other topics. 

Sixty-seven percent of participants showed improvement in one or more physical activity behaviors like exercising for at least 30 minutes, doing workouts to build and strengthen muscles, or making small changes to be more active. One-hundred percent of participants now use a meat thermometer, wash surfaces after cutting raw/seafood and thaw meat properly. Eight-nine of participants now cook dinner at home, compare food prices, use a grocery list and plan meals. Furthermore, 67% of individuals now consume more fruit and vegetables throughout the day.