Starting in the fall of 2016, a program was started at Waynesburg Manor, a nursing home/rehabilitation center for Lincoln County residents.  Ages at the facility ranged from early 30s to late 70s.  Many of the residents were only there for a few months after injuries or illnesses, and were being rehabilitated to continue living on their own.  The program utilized the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum, and met every other week in the dining hall of the facility.   Emphasis on healthy eating and exercise was received with great enthusiasm by not only the residents, but also the staff as well. 

There were many small victories for the clients throughout the course of the classes.  For instance, one resident said that he had cut out soft drinks completely since starting the class and had lost about 15 pounds.  Other residents who, according to the staff, were very unwilling to participate in anything that usually went on there, gladly joined the program and became excited to come to class every time it met.

The most fulfilling part of the class was sharing the recipes every visit, with not only the residents, but also with the staff, several of whom worked in the kitchen of the facility.  Upon observation of the meals that were served there, and also by judging the clients’ food recalls, it was obvious that the food being served was not the healthiest.  It’s understandable in many ways.  The staff there provided great care, but when working with limited funds, it can be difficult to serve healthy foods.  However, by sharing the recipes from the Healthy Choices curriculum and giving tips on budgeting, the staff and residents were able to learn that it is possible to eat healthy on a budget.  Fortunately, many of the recipes have been incorporated into the regular menus, so that clients may enjoy healthier meals more regularly.  This success was encouraging because it means that the SNAP-ED program will continue to positively influence people at Waynesburg Manor well into the future.