The Hickman County Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional taught forty-two limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. 98% of Nutritional Education Program families experienced a positive change in the consumption of all food groups increasing overall nutritional quality of life.

67% of the Nutrition Education Program graduated families improved their diet quality by consuming more fruits and vegetables, drank less sugary drinks and prepared their meals at home.  69% of families increased the number of days for physical activity, strength training and making changes in their daily routine.  60% increased their food security by having enough to eat or the ability to obtain food, 68% of families also demonstrated an improvement in safe food handling practices and handwashing behavior. 65% of families increased their food resource management skills by learning to plan meals ahead of time, check the food on hand, and use a grocery list to guide their purchases.   60% showed improvement in food security by decreasing the number of times the families would eat less or do without and increased knowledge of budgeting and having food available.    

One client stated that “I never thought about how the amount of food I was feeding my family decreased my budget.  Now through making sure everyone has proper serving sizes, I have more food to last through the month.”