Mercer County NEP Assistant, partnering with Mercer County Adult Ed program, assisted 11 families in a program called “Getting Ahead”.  Using the curriculum, “Healthy Choices for Everybody,” the families were given the opportunity to learn to reduce their cost of living by making healthier lifestyle choices.  Based on their pretest answers, the NEP assistant identified concerns with food safety.  Following the weekly lesson and food demonstration, the families were challenged by the NEP assistant to try the recipes at home.  They were very resistant to attempt the recipes on their own, even though they liked the prepared food.  The NEP assistant challenged the group to pick a recipe to make with their families and provide a report the following class.  After a few weeks the group started asking for more recipes to share with their families.  Introducing fruit water provided an incentive to reduce sugary drink intake.  Over half the group stated they were drinking more water, getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity and losing weight.  After completing the program, 100% had made changes with 75% making changes in food safety.