The Scott County Extension Program Assistant for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP-Ed) identified that clients struggle to access healthy food due to financial issues.  Extension partnered with local organizations including Transform Scott County and the Georgetown Housing Authority to conduct a series of 8 classes. Even though the 14 adults that completed the program were employed, they still required assistance to meet basic needs.   The SNAP-Ed Healthy Choices curriculum was used to teach nutrition, food preparation skills, and food safety.  The community partners provided financial management lessons and increased awareness of and access to community resources.   

At each session, participants learned the health benefits of eating a variety of foods before preparing and sampling new foods or favorite foods prepared with less sodium, fat or calories.  While enjoying the healthy options, community partners presented Making Money Work and information from Community Action, KY Career Center, Habitat for Humanity, Scott County Schools, United Way and the Amen House.  

The results of the NEERS pre and post survey showed that all of the participants improved in one or more diet quality indicators.  Ninety-three percent improved in food safety and 93% also improved in food resource management (i.e., cooking dinner at home, comparing food prices, planning meals before shopping, looking in the refrigerator or cupboard before shopping, or making a list before shopping).

Two participants continued in other Extension programs.  The canning class enabled them to provide their family with fruits and vegetables and reduced the chance of running out of food during winter months.