The Journal of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states, “the most substantial health burden arising from drug addiction lies not in the direct effects of intoxication, but in the secondary effects on physical health.” (2018) Furthermore, research suggests nutrition education may reduce chronic disease, reduce health care burden, and improve long term recovery outcomes.  The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Andrea’s Mission for Men treatment facility to provide nutrition education to their clients in substance recovery.  

The Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum was utilized over a nine month time frame with 33 participants completing the class requirements.  Upon completion, the participants showed a 97% improvement in one or more diet quality indicators such as eating fruits, vegetables, red and orange vegetables, dark green vegetables, drinking less soda, and cooking dinner at home.  The participant’s outcomes also reflected a 91% improvement in one or more physical activity behaviors and 67% combined behavior change.  The group also improved in food safety, food security and food resource management at a combined above average rate of 53%.

These percentages of dietary and behavior changes are a direct correlation to the curriculum taught and the efforts of the clients.  The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant, The Butler County Family and Consumer Science Agent, The Butler County Cooperative Extension Service and Andrea’s Mission for Men, worked together in this endeavor.   It was their combined goal to give the men of Andrea’s Mission healthy nutrition skills that will aid in their health and well-being throughout a sustained recovery life.