Success StoryNutrition Education - Impact in a Small Community



Nutrition Education - Impact in a Small Community

Author: Linda Combs

Planning Unit: Knott County CES

Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

Plan of Work: Accessing Nutritious Food

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

During the 2017-2018 program year the Knott County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program assistants (SNAP assistants) taught 171 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources efficiently. Of these 171 families 134 completed the program while 37 are continuing in the program.  69% of families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet. 64% of families demonstrated an improvement in safe food handling practices and hand washing behavior. 69% of families cooked meals at home and 78% planned meals before shopping.  There were 42% of families who had enough money for food. 59% of families exercised for at least 30 minutes three times a week and 75% made small changes to be more active.  According to data from a University of Kentucky Food and Nutrition Specialist, every person (child and adult) that receives education regarding some aspect of food borne illness prevention, saves their state an estimated $1,000.00. 665 Knott county youth and adults were reached with food safety programming thus resulting in the potential savings to Kentucky citizens, businesses and government of $665,000.00.  The county extension council, district board, fiscal court and other community agencies consider the Knott County nutrition education program a plus for the county. “The work these ladies do is vital to the health of our citizens” quote from extension council member.






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