Food-insecure and SNAP recipients too often face challenging circumstances in trying to consume a healthful diet and maintain a healthy weight such as more sedentary lifestyles, increased portion sizes, and the ability to purchase fruits and vegetables.   Those who are food-insecure or low-income may face unique challenges in adopting and maintaining healthful behavior changes.  

The Carlisle County Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional taught thirty-two limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. 100% of NEP families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet.  

NEP graduated families improved their diet quality by 61% by consuming more fruits and vegetables, drinking less sweetened drinks, and preparing their dinner at home.  63% of families increased their physical activity by making changes to strengthen muscles and be more physically active.   Food security was increased by 65% by having food to eat or the ability to obtain food.  66% of families also demonstrated an improvement in safe food handling practices and handwashing behavior. 63% of families learned to plan meals ahead of time, check the food on hand, and use a grocery list to guide their purchases.  

A mother stated that “She didn’t realize she was probably the cause of some of her child’s sickness because she wasn’t washing off the counters between preparing items for her family.”