According to America’s Health Rankings by United Health Foundation in 2017, Kentucky ranked forty ninth for senior health. Out of fifty states, that is an alarming statistic, and it reinforces why programs like the Healthy Choices for Everybody is so important. The Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum was implemented at United Crescent Hill Ministries’ Senior Lunch Program by the Nutrition Education Program Assistant with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service. Through seven different lessons, topics ranging from meal planning on a budget to food safety practices were discussed. Also included in each of these lessons were a cooking reinforcement item and a healthy recipe. 

After completion of the program, 63% of the participants increased how often they planned meals before shopping. Seventy five percent of the participants increased the variety of vegetables they were eating since the start of the program. One participant said she enjoyed creating the apple nachos recipe as a healthy snack for her and her grandchildren. The knowledge gained through the Healthy Choices for Everybody program can transfer to the rest of the family, whether it is implemented in a senior center or an elementary school. Sharing recipes and information together can improve health outcomes for the entire family!