Todd County, KY has a population estimate of 12,311, 18% poverty level and a median household income of $38,248.00 per United States Census Bureau.  The Todd County Nutrition Education Program goal is to help participants make nutritious food choices within a limited budget.

The “Healthy Choices for Everybody” Curriculum is utilized by the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant to teach all adult programs.  Classes may be promoted using different names, to appeal to different clientele groups.

A summer program “Cook Together” was promoted for parents and children to work together in the kitchen preparing and eating a meal together.  A partnership with Todd County Family Youth Services made providing a full meal possible.  The group participated in “Healthy Choices for Everybody” lessons and games at Todd County High School Family Consumer Science learning kitchen.

Graduation data results showed: Diet Quality improved 54.2% and Physical Activity improved 80%.   All parents said they would involve children with meal preparation and planning in the future.

A Todd County Parole Officer attended the classes.  He felt the program would help some of his clients.  He liked that they could receive a certificate for completing the program.  He encouraged a couple of clients to join.  Each client brought a friend.  They enjoyed food demonstrations and “Healthy Choices for Everybody” curriculum. At graduation data results showed:  Diet Quality improved 78.5%, Physical Activity improved 58.3%, Food Safety 62.5% and Food Resource Management improved 51.02%

The Todd County Parole Officer would like to see a curriculum focused more on how nutrition can help with recovery from drug addiction.  He told NEP Assistant, “If you have a specific recovery nutrition program, I may be able to mandate attendance to class”.

Todd County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant also works with a local food commodity program to provide recipes for items participants may receive, but are not sure how to prepare. (Example spaghetti squash, kale or lentils.)  The NEP Assistant also prepares healthy recipes for sampling while waiting in line for their food.

The NEP Assistant also provides healthy affordable recipes and food demonstrations at local schools, public library, public housing, senior centers and other community events throughout the year.

Making connections with the community helps promote how to make nutritious food choices on a limited budget to Todd County Residents