According to  CEDIK data, 35% of adults in Metcalfe County are obese.  Metcalfe County also lacks access to healthcare, with 2017 data showing only 1 primary care facility physician and a need of 27 according to county population.  

The Family and Consumer Science Agent has been holding Worksite Wellness classes at the largest industrial employer for several years.  In this past year, the SNAP-Education Program Assistant was invited to come as well.  The FCS continues to offer 6 classes throughout the year while the SNAP Assistant offers 3.  The SNAP teaches the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum with the participants.  Participants are taught to analyze their food intake starting with a 1 day food recall which asks them to consider everything they had to eat and drink for the past 24 hours.  This activity points out to them some habits that may not be healthy or habits they might want to set goals to improve upon. They are taught that planning saves time and money. The curriculum also teaches them what nutrients they get from what food groups and how much they need from each group.  They are taught how to prepare meals at home that are both healthier and less costly than eating out.  At each session, the participants are given a food sample from the curriculum and leave with not only that recipe, but also several other recipes provided that will give them ideas of new things they can try at home.

The Human Resource employee at the factory said that the classes are valuable.  If employees will attend 2 of the classes offered during the year, they earn wellness points which leads to an insurance incentive for them.  Average attendance for 1 class is 80 and classes are offered 9 months out of the year.

When evaluated, the SNAP-Assistant was told that employees are planning more and spending less at the grocery.  They are able to select healthier foods now after their class on reading food labels.  They are less likely to leave food out to thaw after attending their food safety class.  One participant said she had started taking her health seriously and has lost 61 lbs. and is still working to stay healthy and on the "right track."